# How many significant figures are there in the number 24.006?

Sep 2, 2016

There are five significant figures.

#### Explanation:

A significant figure is one that has been experimentally determined by a measurement. Numbers generated by calculations are not significant.

The .006 would not have been written ( at least correctly) if the value had not been measured to nearest nearest one thousandth ( $\frac{1}{1000}$ .

The .006 has three significant numbers.

The 24. has also been measured for two more significant numbers.

There are a total of five significant numbers.
( This is a very precise balance.)

Nov 25, 2016

There are five significant figures in $24.006$.

#### Explanation:

Two important rules for determining how many significant figures are in a number are:

1. Non-zero digits are always significant.
2. Zeros between two significant digits are significant.

In the number $24.006$

1. The numbers $2 , 4$, and $6$ are significant.
2. The zeroes are between $4$ and $6$, so they are significant.

All the digits are significant.

∴ There are 5 significant figures.