What are the differences between decimal points and significant figures?

The total number of digits to the right of the point are known as 'decimal points' whereas significant figures start from the first non-zero number. Note: As significant figures start from the first non-zero number this could be to the left of the decimal point. We then use the laws of rounding to come up with our final answers!
d.p. = decimal points, s.f. = significant figures

Examples:

a) 704.539018 is 704.53902 (to 5d.p.) and 704.54 (to 5s.f.)

b) 0.0091 is 0.01 (to 2d.p.) but 0.0091 (to 2s.f.)

c) 0.100400 is 0.10040 (to 5d.p.) and also 0.10040 (to 5s.f.) because, from the first significant figure (non-zero) onwards, all numbers are significant. This includes zeros between non-zeros and all trailing zeros.

NL
Answered by Niall L. Maths tutor

83336 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I work out the nth term?


(This was taken from a GCSE past paper)A bag of 24 spoons costs £19.95. A box of 18 forks costs £15.55. Bags and boxes cannot be split. Gregor decides to buy the same number of spoons as forks. He places an order to buy the smallest number of each


Solve the equation x^2 + 8x = -15


Solve x^2+6x+5=0


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning