Question

What are the rules for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division w/ sig figs?

Answer 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuVPkBb-z2I

Answer 2

Is it just by how many sig figs for addition / subtraction...then number of decimal points for division/multiplication? I'm just finishing my report and don't feel like looking it up. Lol

Answer 3

Watch the video I linked. It's called "The Big Sig Fig Gig"
Guaranteed to help you remember.

Answer 4

I can't watch it. Just need to know if what I think is the way to do it is right.

Answer 5

Why not? ;~;
Addition and Subtraction
When measured quantities are used in addition or subtraction, the uncertainty is determined by the absolute uncertainty in the least precise measurement (not by the number of significant figures). Sometimes this is considered to be the number of digits after the decimal point.
Example
32.01 m
5.325 m
12 m

Added together, you will get 49.335 m, but the sum should be reported as '49' meters.

Multiplication and Division
When experimental quantities are mutiplied or divided, the number of significant figures in the result is the same as that in the quantity with the smallest number of significant figures. If, for example, a density calculation is made in which 25.624 grams is divided by 25 mL, the density should be reported as 1.0 g/mL, not as 1.0000 g/mL or 1.000 g/mL.

Answer 6

I'm at work and the net is sketchy. It will kick me off if I try =/

Answer 7

Okay.
I posted the rules above, though.

Answer 8

Thanks. Although you didn't have to put a big long deal. just needed to make sure if it was by the decimal for adding and sig figs for multiplying or vice versa. haha Thanks!!!!!