ERSC 2220H Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Significant Figures, Decimal Mark, Scientific Notation
28 Oct 2016
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Lecture 1 measurements, significant figures, precision and accuracy. You will learn how to apply and manipulate measurements to produce scientifically meaningful outcomes. Understand the difference between accuracy and precision: accuracy: ho(cid:449) close the (cid:373)easure(cid:373)e(cid:374)t is to the (cid:858)true (cid:448)alue(cid:859, precision: the degree to which the measurement is reproducible. Understand the difference between exact and inexact numbers: exact numbers: include any defined value or an integer obtained from counting numbers of objects. Inexact numbers: those obtained by measurements inexact because of the limitations of the equipment used to make the measurement and because of the people taking the measurement. Determine the number of significant figures in a measurement: significant figures: a digit that is reliably known or estimated. A measurement determines the quantity, dimensions, or extent of something: unit: definite quantity adapted as a standard of measurement. We write numbers with digits and assume that the last digit is uncertain.
