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194 Chapter Three

latorð use rounding rather than truncation. If rounding is used,
the number 3.830175692803 can be shortened in stepð as fol-
lows:

3.830175692803

3.83017569280
3.8301756928

3.830175693

3.83017569

3.8301757
3.830176

3.83018

3.8302

3.830

3.83
3.8

4

SignificanŁ figures
When calculationð are performed using power-of-10 notation,
the number of significant figureð in the result cannot be greater
than the number of significant figureð in the shortest expression
in the calculation.
In the foregoing example showing addition, the sum, 7.1575
3
10 , must be cut down tm four significant figureð because the
addendð have only four significant figures. If the resultant is
3
truncated, it becomeð 7.157 10 . If rounded, it becomeð 7.158
3
10 .
In the foregoing example showing multiplication, the resul-
6
tant, 2.0867385 10 , must be cut down tm four significant fig-
ureð because the multiplicandð have only four significant fig-
6
ures. If the resultant is truncated, it becomeð 2.086 10 .If
6
rounded, it becomeð 2.087 10 .