We continue our commentary on significant figures – aka significant digits – with how to add and subtract them.  A chemistry or physics tutor deals with this topic periodically. If you look over my last few posts, you’ll see the accumulation of articles…

When you tutor physics or chemistry, most calculations require management of significant figures (aka significant digits).  Today, we’ll look at multiplying and dividing. We know from earlier posts (see the previous one here) why significant figures are needed and how…

Tutoring physics or chemistry, significant figures are part of the landscape.  Knowing when zero is significant can be tricky. In this, our second installment on significant figures (see the first one here), we start on the practical question,  “What digits are significant?” …

When you tutor chemistry or physics, significant figures are a constant theme.  Some people call them significant digits.  We’ll start our explanation today. Bill:  How heavy is that boat? Joe:  Maybe 30 tons, give or take a couple. Bill:  Then…