Question

Trailing zeros (those at the end) are significant only if the number contains a decimal point; otherwise, they are insignificant (they don't count). How many significant figures in 120000. and how many in 120000?

a) 2; 3
b) 5; 5
c) 3; 2
d) 6; 6

Answer 1

Trailing zeros are significant only if a number contains a decimal point. 120000 without a decimal point has 2 significant figures, while 120000. with a decimal point has 3 significant figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining the number of significant figures in a number, trailing zeros are significant only if the number contains a decimal point. If the number does not have a decimal point, the trailing zeros are considered insignificant and do not count as significant figures. Therefore, in the number 120000 (without a decimal point), there are 2 significant figures. In the number 120000. (with a decimal point), there are 3 significant figures.