Question

Zeros located between non-zero digits are significant (they count). How many significant figures in 5004?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer 1

In the number 5004, all the digits, including the zeros, are significant because the zeros are located between non-zero digits. Hence, 5004 has 4 significant figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining the number of significant figures in a number, special rules apply to zeros. Zeros that are sandwiched between non-zero digits are considered significant. In the number 5004, the two zeros are significant because they are located between non-zero digits. Therefore, when counting the significant digits, all four numbers (5, 0, 0, 4) are significant, making the correct answer (d) 4 significant figures.

Answer 2

The number 5004 has four significant figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Significant figures are digits that contribute to the precision of a measurement or value. In order to determine the number of significant figures in a given number, we need to identify the digits that are non-zero and any zeros located between non-zero digits.

In the case of 5004, all of the digits are non-zero. Therefore, each digit is considered significant. The zeros in this number are not located between non-zero digits, so they are not significant.

To summarize, the number 5004 has four significant figures because all of its digits (5, 0, 0, and 4) are non-zero.

It’s important to note that the concept of significant figures is used to express the precision and accuracy of measurements and values. Significant figures help ensure that calculations involving measured quantities are carried out with the appropriate level of precision.