Final answer:
When you square a number, the resulting value should contain the same number of significant figures as the original number to correctly reflect the measurement's precision.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you square a number, the result should have the same number of significant figures as the original number. This means that if you start with a value that has a certain amount of significant figures, after squaring the number, your answer should reflect the same level of precision. For example, squaring a radius (r) with two significant figures, such as r = 1.2 m, the area (A), calculated as A = r², would need to be rounded to have two significant figures after calculation.
It is important to apply the rules for significant figures properly, especially when performing operations like multiplication and division. Always ensure that the final calculated value reflects the inherent precision of the initial measurement to avoid overstating the accuracy of your results.