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Worked Example: Significant Figures

Part of Rounding & Estimation — GCSE Mathematics

This study notes covers Worked Example: Significant Figures within Rounding & Estimation for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Rounding & Estimation in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 13 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 5 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 4 of 5

Practice

13 questions

Recall

6 flashcards

Worked Example: Significant Figures

Round 0.005372 to 2 significant figures

Step 1 Find first significant figure

Skip the zeros: 0.005372

5 is the 1st significant figure

Step 2 Identify 2nd s.f. and look at the next digit

0.005372 → 3 is 2nd s.f., look at 7

Step 3 Apply the rule

7 ≥ 5, so round UP: 3 becomes 4

Answer: 0.0054

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Rounding & Estimation. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Types of RoundingCommon MistakesWhy Round Numbers?The Key Rule

Practice Questions for Rounding & Estimation

Round 4.673 to 1 decimal place.

  • A. 4.6
  • B. 4.7
  • C. 4.67
  • D. 5.0
1 markfoundation

A student says '3.50 and 3.5 are exactly the same number so they have the same number of significant figures.' Explain why the student is wrong.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Rounding Rule
Look at the next digit: 0-4 round down, 5-9 round up
Estimation
Round each number to 1 s.f., then calculate

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Types of Rounding

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Common Mistakes