Errors by Significant Figures Significant figures are often forgotten when we use the data in the database.
By the rule of the database, there is the case that many figures are used even if significant figure is one.
The significant figures are two for "3.0." The significant figure is one for "3." The number of figures tells us the significant figures.
Because of the rule the data in the database may not tell us the significant figures. We need to compare some data or study the ability of the measurement.
3.0 + 2.0 : The answer is "5.0". Significant figures are two.
3 + 2 : The answer is "5". Significant figure is one.
3.0 + 2 : The answer is "5". Significant figure is one.
The smallest figure is the significant figure of calculation for addition, multiplication and division.
3.0 + 0.0012 : The answer is "3.0". Significant figures are two. The small number does not affect the calculation.
If we want to use the number, we need to change from "3.0" to "3.0000.
"
3.0000 + 0.0012 : The answer is "3.0012". Significant figures are five.
2.23 + 2.21 : The anser is "0.02". Significant figure is one.
Subtractions often reduce the significant figures.
For example, we need to care about the calculation of standard deviation and normalization.
We can prevent the reducing by changing the order of the calculation.
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