Which statement correctly describes significant figures?

Which statement correctly describes significant figures?

• A. The digits in a number that contribute to precision are the digits excluding zeros.
• B. All digits in a number are significant.
• C. Zeros at the end of a whole number are always significant.
• D. The digits that contribute to precision include all non-zero digits, zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion.

Answer: (D)

Significant figures show how precise a measurement is by counting only the digits that carry information about that precision. The digits that contribute to precision are all nonzero digits, zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. This means every nonzero digit is significant, zeros between nonzero digits are significant, and zeros at the end of the decimal portion indicate precision and are significant. Leading zeros (those before the first nonzero digit) do not count toward precision, and trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point are not automatically significant. That’s why this statement best describes significant figures: it includes the digits that truly convey the precision of the measurement.

Significant figures show how precise a measurement is by counting only the digits that carry information about that precision. The digits that contribute to precision are all nonzero digits, zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. This means every nonzero digit is significant, zeros between nonzero digits are significant, and zeros at the end of the decimal portion indicate precision and are significant. Leading zeros (those before the first nonzero digit) do not count toward precision, and trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point are not automatically significant. That’s why this statement best describes significant figures: it includes the digits that truly convey the precision of the measurement.