Arithmetic
Combining measured quantities
Multiplication and division pass the least precise input's precision straight through to the answer.
The Formula
result carries the fewest significant figures of any factor
Multiplication and division pass the least precise input's precision straight through to the answer.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| min | Fewest | unitless | The limiting input's significant figure count. |
| factors | Inputs | any unit | The measured values entering the calculation. |
| result | Output | same unit | The answer, trimmed to the limiting precision. |
What Each Symbol Means
minunitless
Fewest
The limiting input's significant figure count.
factorsany unit
Inputs
The measured values entering the calculation.
resultsame unit
Output
The answer, trimmed to the limiting precision.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to count significant figures page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Count Significant Figures, filed under Math. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.