How many significant figures in 0.0410?

Answer 1

There are three significant figures in 0.0410.

To find the number of significant figures:

1. Starting at the left hand end of the number find the first non-zero digit;
2. Count all the digits going right until all that is left is zero digits;
3. If the first (non-zero) digit was AFTER a decimal point then continue counting all the zeros.

The reason for step 3 is that trailing zeros after a decimal point are not normally written, so if they have been written they must be significant.

In this case:

1. First non-zero digit is 4;
2. Count 2 digits (to reach the 0 after the 1);
3. The 4 was after a decimal point so continue counting the written zeros - an extra 1 digit, making a total of 3.

Answer 2

0.0410 has THREE significant figures. You can re-write is as 4.10x10^-2. Thus, 3 sig. figs.

Answer 3

Here are four significant figures.