Final answer:
Measuring tools with smaller measurement increments are more precise and accurate. Scientists use significant figures to indicate the precision of an instrument and report measurements honestly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Precision of measuring tools is an important factor in the accuracy and precision of measurements. A precise measuring tool can measure values in very small increments. For example, a caliper can measure length to the nearest 0.01 millimeter, while a standard ruler can only measure to the nearest millimeter. The more precise the measuring tool, the more precise and accurate the measurements can be. Scientists use significant figures to indicate the precision of an instrument and report measurements honestly. Significant figures are digits that carry meaning in a measurement and help scientists indicate the precision of the measurement. They include all certain digits plus one estimated digit. For example, if a length is measured as 2.75 meters, there are three significant figures: 2, 7, and 5.