Question

So if you have 2 different numbers you are multiplying with different units like 10.2m x 12ft, do I count sig figs before multiplying before or after I convert one of them to different units to multiply?

Answer 1

you need to convert one of them and multiply (preferable)
(or multiply and then convert ->> not preferable, as it leads to confusion)

Answer 2

you apply sig. figure rules to the final answer , (not in intermediate calculation)

Answer 3

But I just count 10.2m as 3 sf and 12 as 2 sf right? not using a different number of sf for 12 for example after I convert to m?

Answer 4

you want to convert 12 ft to meters, right ?
you know the conversion formula ?

Answer 5

I guess this is a bad example. What I am really trying to figure out is 143pm/4.69mm. I was unsure if I should get them into equal units before I consider how man sf each has or if I look at that before conversion,

Answer 6

pm is pico meter
and mm is millimeter ?

Answer 7

So exact conversions....

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

easiest thing to do is to convert both into meters

Answer 10

I understand that....

Answer 11

but if you're good at conversions, you will be able to convert millimeters into picometers

Answer 12

I think you don't understand what I am asking.

Answer 13

I don't ned help with conversions, or how to divide them. I am asking when I look for sig figs do I do it in the given form........or after conversion before I decide how any sig figs each number has BEFORE I multiply them.

Answer 14

I am trying to figure out how to keep track of how many sf two numbers have before I multiply so that I can now how many sf my final answer will be rounded/simplified to.