Write 4827 correct to 2 significant figures. Step by Step

Step by step

The question

Question: round 4827 to 2 significant figures.

Round 4827 to 2 significant figures

1 Find the first significant figure

In 4827, the first significant figure is 4.

4827

The first significant figure is the first digit that is not 0.

significant figures: counted from

the first digit that is not 0

2 Count the figures

We count 2 figures from there: 4, 8.

The 2nd figure, 8, is in the hundreds place.

So we round to the nearest hundred.

2nd figure 8 → the hundreds place

3 Look at the next digit

Now we look at the next digit to the right.

It is 2.

5 or more: we round up, the hundreds digit goes up by 1.

4 or less: we round down, it stays.

5 or more → up: digit + 1

4 or less → down: digit stays

2 is 4 or less, so we round down.

2 is 4 or less → round down

4 Keep the size

The places after the 2nd figure become 0.

The zeros keep the size: 4800 is close to 4827.

4827 ≈ 4800

Careful!

48 is much smaller than 4827.

The zeros keep the number the right size.

Careful: not 4827 ≈ 48 ✗

So 4827 to 2 significant figures is 4800.

5 Check

Let's check.

4800 has 2 significant figures: 4, 8.

4800: figures 4, 8 → 2 s.f.

And it is the same size as 4827: 4 digits before the point.

So the answer is right!

4827 and 4800: both 4 digits before the point

Let's look back.

First: find the first significant figure.

Then: count the figures.

Then: look at the next digit.

Then: keep the size.

Last: check.

Answer