How many sig fig does the number 0.0432 has?

I think it has 3 am I right?

How many sig fig does the number 0.0432 has?
You are correct!



Only numbers after the 0 are counted in this case.
Reply:no its 4 you count the zero between the decimal too!

or you would only have the 1000th place instead of the 10000th place
Reply:actually it is 4. The only why you could make it 3 is if you said 4.32 x 10^2
Reply:Yes, you are correct.



Zeros can count as significant digits only if they are to the right of the first non-zero digit. If there is no decimal point then zeros to the right are not counted unless they are indicated as significant.



43200 has 3 significant digits



432.00 has 5



0.0432 has 3



0.04320 has 4
Reply:That's right. 3 digits, 0's are just placeholders.
Reply:3 the zeros don't count
Reply:yep right on
Reply:Yes, I believe its easier to see if you write it as

4.32*10^-2.

This number obviously has 3 sig figs