How can the use of significant figures proide an idea of how accurate a measurement is?

Answer 1

Significant figures indicate the extent to which a number is useful. This can show how accurate a figure is because the fewer significant figures, the less accurate it is likely to be, and the more significant figures, the more accurate it is likely to be. For instance, if someone gives their height as 6'1" this is likely to be very roughly accurate. If someone gives the height as "about 6 foot" then this is even rougher. If a doctor measures someone with special tools before very delicate surgery which requires precision, and gives their height as 6'0.82736" this is going to be very accurate.