Reference library46 entries

Tag: precision

Practical explanations, worked examples, and reference notes for reporting numbers correctly.

How to Calculate Percent Error (and Report It Correctly)

Learn the correct formula for percent error, how to handle significant figures and rounding, and avoid common pitfalls when reporting measurement accuracy.

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Significant Figures

Guard Digits: Why You Shouldn’t Round Until the End

A guard digit is an extra digit retained during intermediate calculations to minimize rounding error. Learn why rounding only at the end is essential…

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E-Notation vs Scientific Notation: What 3.5e3 Actually Means

E-notation (3.5e3) is a compact form of scientific notation representing 3.5 × 10³. It preserves significant figures and is widely used in programming and…

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Addition and Subtraction

Adding and Subtracting in Scientific Notation: Precision Rules and Rounding

Learn the exact rules for adding and subtracting numbers in scientific notation, including how to align exponents, determine the least precise decimal place, and…

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SI Prefixes Table with Significant Figure Notes

SI prefixes are exact multipliers that do not affect the number of significant figures. Learn the rules, conventions, and common pitfalls when using prefixes…

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Significant Figures in Titration Calculations: Precision and Rounding Guide

Master the rules of significant figures in titration calculations, including rounding conventions, uncertainty propagation, and standards compliance, with worked examples and common pitfalls.

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Molar Mass: How Many Sig Figs Should You Use?

Learn the rules for determining significant figures in molar mass calculations, including conventions, standards, and common pitfalls.

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Significant Figures

Significant Figures: The Definitive Guide for GCSE and A-Level Sciences

Master the rules, conventions, and standards of significant figures with this comprehensive reference, designed for GCSE, A-Level, and university science students.

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Truncation vs Rounding: When Cutting Digits Is Correct

Truncation and rounding are distinct digit-reduction methods. Truncation simply cuts off excess digits, while rounding adjusts the retained digits based on the discarded portion.…

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Exact Numbers Have Infinite Significant Figures — Here’s What That Means

Exact numbers, such as counted quantities and defined conversion factors, possess an infinite number of significant figures. This article explains the rule, provides worked…

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