Which of the measurements contain four significant figures? 0.0100 3957 D L.000 x 10-3 5000 0 0.000 / D 5.x 104
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 3957
This number contains four significant figures.
Explanation
In scientific measurements, significant figures (also called significant digits) are the meaningful digits in a number that contribute to its precision. Knowing how to identify them is crucial in science and mathematics, as it reflects the accuracy of measurements and calculations.
Let us evaluate each given measurement:
- 0.0100
- Leading zeros (zeros before the first non-zero digit) are not significant.
- Only the digits “1”, “0”, and “0” after the decimal point are significant.
- Significant figures = 3
- 3957
- All non-zero digits are significant.
- There are no leading or trailing zeros without a decimal, so all four digits count.
- Significant figures = 4 ✅
- 0.000 x 10⁻³
- The digits shown are only zeros; no non-zero digits are present.
- This is not a valid measurement, and it does not contain significant figures.
- 5000
- Without a decimal point, trailing zeros are not considered significant.
- Only the “5” is significant.
- Significant figures = 1
- 0.000 / D
- This is not a valid numerical expression.
- No digits or values are presented for analysis.
- Significant figures = 0 (invalid)
- 5. x 10⁴
- The presence of a decimal point after the number “5.” makes that digit significant.
- However, there’s only one digit before the exponent.
- Significant figures = 1
Conclusion:
Out of all the given measurements, only “3957” contains four significant figures. This is because it consists of four non-zero digits, all of which are significant. In contrast, the others either have fewer significant digits, contain no measurable digits, or are invalid expressions.
