Question

1. (2 points) using the standard rules for counting significant digits, how many significant digits does each of the following numbers have?

a. 6000.0
b. 24.10
c. 72.005 × 10⁻⁴
d. 0.0003
e. 160
f. -0.00908

Explanation:

Step1: Count sig figs for 6000.0

Trailing decimal zero counts; non-zeros/embedded zeros count: 6,0,0,0,0 → 5 sig figs.

Step2: Count sig figs for 24.10

Non-zeros, trailing decimal zero count: 2,4,1,0 → 4 sig figs.

Step3: Count sig figs for $72.005 \times 10^{-4}$

All digits in coefficient count: 7,2,0,0,5 → 5 sig figs.

Step4: Count sig figs for 0.0003

Leading zeros don't count; 3 counts → 1 sig fig.

Step5: Count sig figs for 160

Trailing zero without decimal doesn't count: 1,6 → 2 sig figs.

Step6: Count sig figs for -0.00908

Leading zeros don't count; 9,0,8 count → 3 sig figs.

Answer:

a. 5
b. 4
c. 5
d. 1
e. 2
f. 3