Final answer:
The magnitude of the uncertainty in the last recorded digit in a measurement is indicated by a significant figures notation, which includes all known digits plus the first uncertain or estimated digit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The magnitude of the uncertainty in the last recorded digit in a measurement (estimated digit) may be indicated by a significant figures notation. In the realm of physics and chemistry, significant figures include all the digits that are known precisely in a number, plus the first uncertain or estimated digit. For instance, when using a standard ruler, you may measure the length of an object to the nearest millimeter. If an object measures between 36.6 cm and 36.7 cm, you would have to estimate the value of the last digit and the measurement could be expressed as 36.7 cm, which has three significant figures. It's essential to know how to interpret measurements containing zeros, as well, to accurately count the number of significant figures. For example, a measurement of 1.30 × 10³ has three significant figures, indicating the tens place was measured and is significant.