Deciphering the Precision- Determining the Number of Significant Digits in 130

How many significant digits are in the following number 130?

When it comes to determining the number of significant digits in a given number, it is essential to understand the rules and guidelines for identifying significant figures. Significant digits, also known as significant figures, are the digits in a number that carry meaning in terms of precision. In the case of the number 130, we will analyze its significant digits to determine how many there are.

Understanding Significant Digits

Significant digits are crucial in scientific notation, as they provide information about the accuracy and precision of a measurement. There are a few rules to follow when determining the number of significant digits in a given number:

1. All non-zero digits are significant. In the number 130, the digits 1, 3, and 0 are all non-zero, so they are all significant.

2. Zeros between non-zero digits are also significant. In the number 130, the zero between the 1 and 3 is significant.

3. Leading zeros (zeros at the beginning of a number) are not significant. In the number 130, the leading zero is not significant.

4. Trailing zeros (zeros at the end of a number) are significant only if they are after a decimal point. In the number 130, there is no decimal point, so the trailing zero is not significant.

Calculating the Number of Significant Digits

Now that we understand the rules for identifying significant digits, let’s apply them to the number 130. Based on the rules mentioned above, we can determine that the number 130 has three significant digits:

1. The first non-zero digit is 1, which is significant.
2. The second non-zero digit is 3, which is significant.
3. The zero between the 1 and 3 is significant.

Therefore, the number 130 has three significant digits. It is important to note that this number can be expressed in different forms, such as 1.30 x 10^2 or 130.0, but the number of significant digits remains the same.

In conclusion, when analyzing the number 130, we have determined that it has three significant digits. Understanding the rules for identifying significant digits is crucial in various scientific and mathematical contexts, as it helps convey the precision and accuracy of a measurement.