11

CLASS

Units &
Dimensions

JEE 2024 Namo Kaul

Types of Quantities?
 Types of Quantities?

Physical Quantity
A Quantity that can be measured is called as Physical
Quantity. Length, Mass, Velocity, Temperature, Area,
Volume, Density Etc… Measurable Quantities

Non - Physical Quantity

A Quantity that cannot be measured is called as
Non- Physical Quantity. Building, Bus, Room, Road,
Mumbai Etc… Non-Measurable Quantities
 How are physical quantities classified?

Fundamental Quantity Derived Quantity

 How are physical quantities classified?

Fundamental Quantity
A physical quantity which does not depend on any
other physical quantity for its measurement.

Derived Quantity

The physical quantities which are expressed in terms of

more than one fundamental quantities.
Fundamental Quantity Derived Quantity
What are Fundamental Quantities?
 What are Fundamental Quantities?

There are 7 fundamental quantities

Fundamental Quantity S.I Unit Symbol
Length Meter m
Mass Kilogram kg
Time Second s
Temperature Kelvin K
Electric current Ampere A
Luminous intensity Candela Cd
Amount of substance Mole mol

*** Candela is Measure of intensity or brightness of Light.

 What are Fundamental Quantities?

There are 2 supplementary quantities

Supplementary Quantity S.I unit Symbol
Plane angle Radian rad
Solid angle Steradian sr
Solid Angle Angle inscribed by surface at point is called solid angle.
 The Derived Quantities

The Physical quantities that depend upon other physical

quantity for its measurement are known as derived quantities.
The measurement of derived quantities directly depends upon
other quantities. So in order to measure the derived quantity,
one must measure the quantities that it depends upon.
*** Except 7 fundamental quantities, all other quantities are
derived quantities.
The Derived Quantities

Velocity (m/s) displacement

Velocity =
time
Velocity
Acceleration (m/s2) Acceleration = time

Work (kg-m2/s2) or J Work = Force x displacement

Force
Pressure ( kg m–1 s–2) or Pa Pressure = Area
What are units and system of units?

SYSTEM Length Mass Time

F.P.S. Foot Pound Second

C.G.S. Centimetre Gram Second

M.K.S. Metre Kilogram Second

 What are units and system of units?

Unit & the characteristics of a Unit

Unit of a physical quantity is a standard used for the measurement of that physical quantity.

System of units
A set or collection of Fundamental & Derived Unit is called as system of unit.
 System of Units

CGS Unit
Length Mass Time
Centimeter Gram Second
cm g s
System of Units

MKS Unit
Length Mass Time
Meter Kilogram Second
m kg s
System of Units

FPS Unit
Length Mass Time
Foot Pound Second
ft p s
SI Units: International System of Units

Luminous
Intensity
Candela (Cd)
Amount of
Current
Substance
Ampere (A)
Mole (mol)

SI units
Temperature Length
Kelvin (K) Meter (m)

Mass Time
Kilogram (kg) Second(s)
What are dimensions & their symbol ?

Length - m Area - m2 Volume - m3

 What are dimensions & their symbol ?

Dimension
Power to which fundamental quantity must be raised in order to obtain
the unit of the given quantity.
Symbol for Dimensions General Form

[LMT] or [MLT ]
[LMTKA] or [MLTKA]
 What are dimensions & their symbol ?

Symbol for Dimensions

Fundamental Quantity Dimension Representation

Length [M0L1T0] L
Mass [M1L0T0] M
Time [M0L0T1] T
Temperature [M0L0T0K1A0] K
Electric current [M0L0T0K0A1] A/I

*** Luminous Intensity - C

*** Amount of Substance - mol
How to find dimensions of derived quantities ?
 How to find dimensions of derived quantities ?

Dimension of Speed

Step 1 Speed = Distance

Time

[M0L1T0]
Step 2 Speed =
[M0L0T1]

Step 3 Speed = [M0L1T–1]

 How to find dimensions of derived quantities ?

Dimension of Temperature Gradient

Temp
Step 1 Temp Gradient =
Distance
[M0L0T0K1]
Step 2 Temp Gradient =
[M0L1T0K0]

Step 3 Temp Gradient = [M0 L–1T0K1]

Find the dimensions of Area.
A. [M0 L2 T0]
B. [MLT2]
C. [M0L0T1]
B
D. None of these

L
Find the dimensions of Area.

Step 1 Area = Length x Breadth

Step 2 SI Unit = m x m = m2
B
Step 3 Dimension = [M0 L2 T0]

L
Find the dimensions of Volume

A. [M0 L3 T2]
B. [M2 L2 T0]
h
C. [M0 L3 T0]
D. [M0 L3 T-1]
l
Find the dimensions of Volume.

Step 1 Volume = Length x Breadth x Height

Step 2 SI Unit = m x m x m = m3
h
Step 3 Dimension = [M0 L3 T0]
l
Find the dimension of Density

A. [M1 L–3 T0]

B. [M0 L–1 T1]

C. [M-1 L–3 T0]

D. [M1 L3 T0]
Find the dimension of Density.

Mass
Step 1 Density (ρ) =
Volume

[M1 L0 T0]
Step 2 Density (ρ) =
[M0 L3 T0]

Step 3 Density (ρ) = [M1 L–3 T0]

Find the dimension of Momentum
A. [M-1 L0 T0]
B. [M0 L–1 T2]
C. [M-2 L–3 T0]
D. [M1 L1 T-1]
How to find dimensions of derived quantities ?

Find the dimension of Momentum.

Step 1 Momentum (p) = Mass x Velocity Distance

Velocity =
Time
Step 2 Momentum (p) = [M1L0T0] [M0L1T–1] [M0 L1 T0]
Velocity = [M0 L0 T1]

Step 3 Momentum (p) = [M1 L1 T–1]

Find the dimensions of Force.

A. [M-1 L0 T0]

B. [M0 L–1 T2]

C. [M-2 L–3 T0]

D. [M1 L1 T-2]
Find the dimensions of Force

Force = Mass × acceleration v2 – v1

= m × a a =
t

Dimensions of Mass = [M1 L0 T0] [M0 L1 T –1]

=
[M0 L0 T1]
Dimensions of Acceleration = [M0 L1 T–2]

∴ Dimensions of Force = [M1 L0 T0] [M0 L1 T–2]

Dimensions of Force = [M1 L1 T–2]

Find the dimensions of Gravitational Constant.
A. [M1 L–3 T0]
B. [M-1 L3 T-2]
C. [M1 L1 T-2]
D. [M1 L3 T0]
Find the dimensions of Gravitational Constant

Formula of gravitational force,

Gm1m2
F =
r2

∴ G = Fr2
m1m2

Where G Universal constant of gravitation

m1,m2 Masses

r Distance between the two masses

Dimensions of Force = [M1 L1 T–2]

Dimensions of Length = [M0 L1 T0]

Dimensions of r2 = [M0 L2 T0]

Dimensions of Mass = [M1 L0 T0]

[M1 L1 T–2] [M0 L2 T0]

∴ Dimensions of G =
[M2 L0 T0]

[M1 L3 T–2]
=
[M2 L0 T0]

Dimensions of G = [M–1 L3 T–2]

Find the dimensions of CHARGE.
A. [M0 L0 T1 A1]
B. [M0 L0 T1 A-1]
C. [M-1 L1 T2 A1]
D. None of these
Solution:

Q = Current × time

Q = I × t

Dimensions of Current (I) = [M0 L0 T0 A1]

Dimensions of Time (t) = [M0 L0 T1]

∴ Dimensions of Q = [M0 L0 T0 A1] [M0 L0 T1]

Dimensions of Q = [M0 L0 T1 A1]

Find the dimensions of Electric Potential

A. [M0 L0 T1 A1]
B. [M1 L2 T-3 A-1]
C. [M-1 L1 T-1 A1]
D. None of these

E= q × V
Solution:
Energy (U) = charge (Q) × potential (V)

∴ V = U
Q

Dimensions of U = [M1 L2 T–2]

Dimensions of Q = [M0 L0 T1 A1]

[M1 L2 T–2]
∴ Dimensions of V =
[M0 L0 T1
A1]

Dimensions of V = [M1 L2 T–3 A–1]

Of the following quantities, which one has dimension different from the
remaining 2?
A. Energy per unit volume
B. Force per unit area
C. Angular momentum per unit mass
D. All A,B,C are same
 Of the following quantities, which one has dimension different
from the remaining two?

A. Energy per unit volume

B. Force per unit area

C. Angular momentum per unit mass

D. All A,B,C are same

Solution:
[energy per unit volume] M1L2T–2
= = M1L–1T–2
L3
[force per unit area] M1L1T–2
= = M1L–1T–2
L2
[angular momentum per unit mass] = ML2T–1 / = L2T–1
M1
 How is Dimensional Analysis used?

Principle of Homogeneity Conversion FACTOR

 Principle of Homogeneity

⇒ Two or more quantities in addition or subtraction should have same dimension.

⇒ Quantities on either side of an expression (equation) should have the same dimension
⇒ Using this principle we can check the correctness of the physical equation
Let us perform dimensional analysis on equation to check it’s correctness

v = u + at
Let us perform dimensional analysis on equation to check it’s correctness

Equation : v = u + at

L.H.S. R.H.S.

Step-1 Dimension of ‘v’ Dimension of ‘u +at’

Step-2 [M0L1T–1] [M0L1T–1] + [M0L1T–2] [M0L0T1]

Step-3 [M0L1T–1] [M0L1T–1] + [M0L1T–1]

∴ The given physical equation is dimensionally correct

The relation between velocity and time of a particle is given

B
v =A+ + Ct
t 2

The units of A, B and C will be

A B C
A m m/s m/s2

B m/s m m/s3

C m/s2 m/s3 m/s4

D m/s m/s2 m/s3

 The relation between velocity and time of a particle is given

B
v =A+ + Ct
t 2

The units of A, B and C will be

Solution:

B
b) By the principle of homogeneity unit of A, and ct2 must be of v.
t
v = A i.e A = m/s

v = B ⇒ B = m
t
v = Ct2 ⇒ C = m/s3
Conversion FACTOR
To find conversion factor between the units of the same
physical quantity in two different systems of units
Find conversion factor between SI unit of Force and CGS unit of Force

Force
SI unit : Newton
CGS unit : Dyne
 Find conversion factor between SI unit of Force and CGS unit of Force
Solution:
Force
SI unit : Newton
Let 1 Newton = X Dyne CGS unit : Dyne

The dimensions of force = [M1 L1 T–2]

∴ Equation in dimensional form

1 M1 1 L11 T–2
1
= x M21 L21 T–2
2
 Find conversion factor between SI unit of Force and CGS unit of Force

Solution:

In SI system, In CGS system,

–
1 1
m kg s 2
∴ x = cm g s
L m L cm
1 1
M kg M g cm g
= 102 103 (1)–2
T s T s cm g
∴ x = 105

∴ 1 Newton = 105 dyne

Find conversion factor between SI unit of Energy and CGS unit of Energy

Force
SI unit : Joule
CGS unit : Erg
 11
CLASS

Units & Dimension

Errors in Measurement

JEE 2024 Jayant

NamoNagda
Kaul
How to find ERRORS in Measurements?
 ERROR

Error is amount of uncertainty in measurement of the magnitude of a

physical quantity.

Error = Measured Value – True Value.

 ERROR
The Types of Errors
● Instrumental errors
● Systematic errors
● Random errors
● Personal errors
Instrumental Errors - These errors arise due to use of faulty
instrument.
Systematic Errors - These errors arise due to definite cause and
takes place according to some rule.
Random Errors - These errors are random and occur irregularly. It
can be due to changes in the ambient conditions like
temperature, pressure, etc. or due to limitations of instrument.
Personal Errors - The errors which occur due to limitation of the
human senses, judgment, carelessness and responses
How to calculate errors?
Calculation Of Errors

Most Probable Value : amean

Absolute Error:
Calculation Of Errors

Relative error :

Percentage error :
Length of the plate measured using Vernier caliper of least count 0.01 cm. The
measurements made were 3.11 cm, 3.13 cm, 3.14 cm & 3.14 cm. Find mean length
A. 3.15 cm
B. 3.13 cm
C. 3.14 cm
D. 3.12 cm
 The length of the plate measured using Vernier caliper of least
count 0.01 cm. The measurements made were 3.11 cm, 3.13cm, 3.14
cm and 3.14 cm. Find mean length, mean absolute error and % error

Solution: Step: 1

Step: 2

Step: 3
Length of the plate measured using Vernier caliper of least count 0.01 cm. The
measurements made were 3.11 cm, 3.13 cm, 3.14 cm & 3.14 cm.
Find mean absolute error
A. 0.05 cm
B. 0.03 cm
C. 0.02 cm
D. 0.01 cm

absolute error
|Δ a| = |a mean – ai|
 The length of the plate measured using Vernier caliper of least count
0.01 cm. The measurements made were 3.11 cm, 3.13cm, 3.14 cm and
3.14 cm. Find mean absolute error

Solution:
Step: 4

Step: 5

Step: 6
The length of the plate measured using Vernier caliper of least count 0.01 cm.
The measurements made were 3.11 cm, 3.13cm, 3.14 cm and 3.14 cm. Find % error
A. 3.19 %
B. 0.319 %
C. 31.9 %
D. 3.3 %
 The length of the plate measured using Vernier caliper of least
count 0.01 cm. The measurements made were 3.11 cm, 3.13cm,
3.14 cm and 3.14 cm. Find % error

Solution:
Step: 4

Step: 5

Step: 6
The size of the object measured by means of a Vernier calipers is 3.52 cm. If
the least count is 0.01 cm, estimate the percentage error in the measurement.
A. 0.28 %
B. 0.31 %
C. 2.81 %
D. 4.12 %
 The size of the object measured by means of a Vernier calipers is 3.52 cm. If
the least count is 0.01 cm, estimate the percentage error in the measurement.

Solution:
Step: 1

Step: 2

Step: 3
 in
CALCULATIONS
How to predict errors in calculations?
1. Addition
2. Subtraction
3. Multiplication
4. Division Error Trick
5. Powers
 Calculating Errors
1. ADDITION
R=x+y
dR = dx + dy

ΔR = Δx + Δy
Error in y

Error in R Error in x

Note that errors are always added up

 Calculating Errors
2. SUBTRACTION

R=x–y

ΔR = Δx + Δy

Note that errors are always added up

 Error Trick

R = x2y3

x2y3
R=
√z
 Calculating Errors
3. MULTIPLICATION

R = xy Fractional error = ΔR/R

dR = xdy + ydx ΔR xΔy yΔx
= +
ΔR = xΔy + yΔx R xy xy
ΔR Δy Δx
Error in R = +
R y x
 Calculating Errors

4. DIVISION
Fractional error = ΔR/R
R = x/y
R = xy–1 ΔR x(−1y−2Δy) (dx)y–1
= +
R xy–1 xy–1
dR = x(−1y−2dy) + (dx)y–1
ΔR Δy Δx
R = y + x
 Calculating Errors
5. POWERS

We can directly write the final

expression by looking at the
power coefficient

Even if the coefficient is negative, we

have to add the errors
Calculate fractional error for
1. R = x2y

2. R = x−1y4z
 Calculate fractional error for

1. R = x2y

2. R = x−1y4z

Solution:

1. R = x2y

2. R = x−1y4z
Calculate fractional error for R = √x /y2

A.

B.

C.

D.
 Calculate fractional error for R = √x /y2

Solution:

When the expressions are not simple, just

differentiate and get the results
The heat dissipated Q in a resistance(R) can be obtained by the
measurement of resistance, current(I) and time(t). If the maximum
errors in the measurement of these quantities are 2%, 1% and 1%
respectively, then what is the maximum error in the measurement
of dissipated heat, Q = [ I2Rt/4.2 ] cal?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
 The heat dissipated Q in a resistance(R) can be obtained by the
measurement of resistance, current(I) and time(t). If the maximum
errors in the measurement of these quantities are 2%, 1% and 1%
respectively, then what is the maximum error in the measurement
of dissipated heat, Q = [ I2Rt/4.2 ] cal?
Solution:
Two resistors have resistances x = (24 ± 0.5) Ω and y = (8 ± 0.3)Ω .
Calculate the absolute error and the percentage relative error in
calculating the combination of two resistances when they are in
(a) Series

A. 0.8, 2.0 %
B. 0.8 , 2.5 %
C. 1.2, 2.0 %
D. 1.2, 2.5 %
 Two resistors have resistances x = (24 ± 0.5) Ω and y = (8 ± 0.3)Ω .
Calculate the absolute error and the percentage relative error in
calculating the combination of two resistances when they are in
(a) Series

Solution:
Two resistors have resistances x = (24 ± 0.5) Ω and y = (8 ± 0.3)Ω .
Calculate the absolute error and the percentage relative error in
calculating the combination of two resistances when they are in
(b) Parallel

A. 0.2, 3.33 %
B. 0.3 , 6.66 %
C. 0.2, 0.66 %
D. 0.3, 3.33 %
x = (24 ± 0.5) Ω
y = (8 ± 0.3) Ω
 Two resistors have resistances x = (24 ± 0.5) Ω and y = (8 ± 0.3)Ω .
Calculate the absolute error and the percentage relative error in
calculating the combination of two resistances when they are in
(b) Parallel
Solution:
 x
Calculate fractional error for R =
x+y
A.

B.

C.

D.
 Calculate fractional error for

Solution:
 11
CLASS

Units &
Dimensions

JEE 2024 Namo Kaul

The value of acceleration due to gravity is 980 cm/s2 . What will be its
value if the unit of length is kilometer and that of time is minute?
A. 35.3
B. 65.7
C. 85
D. 105
Solution:

The value of acceleration due to gravity is 980 cm/s2 . What will be

its value
if the unit of length is kilometer and that of time is minute?

Any physical quantity can be represented by = magnitude × units

x = 35.3
 How is dimensional analysis used?

To establish relationship between related physical quantities.

vacuum
P is dependent on h, ρ, g

ρ
h
g

P
Establish the relation P = hρg

P → Hydrostatic Pressure
h → Height of liquid volume
ρ → Density
g → acceleration due to gravity
 How is dimensional analysis used?

To establish the relation P = hρg

Let us assume that,

P = k hx ρy gz

Dimensions of P = [M1L–1 T–2]

P → Hydrostatic Pressure
Dimensions of h = [M0 L1 T0] h → Height of liquid volume
ρ → Density
Dimensions of ρ = [M1 L–3 T0]
g → acceleration due to gravity
Dimensions of g = [M0 L1 T–2]
 How is dimensional analysis used?

∴ our equation becomes,

[M1 L–1 T–2] = k[M0 L1T0]x [M1 L–3 T0]y [M0 L1 T–2]z

∴ [M1 L–1 T–2] = k[My Lx – 3y + z T–2Z ] Value of ‘k’ which is a

constant cannot be
Comparing L.H.S and R.H.S,
found
x – 3y + z = –1 ⇒ y = 1 using dimensional
analysis, it can be
–2z = –2 ∴ z=1 ∴ x=1 found
out experimentally
Substituting these values,

P = k h1ρ1g1
Here, k = 1

∴ p=hρg
It has been observed that velocity of ripple waves produced in water depends
upon their Wavelength (λ), Density of water (ρ) & Surface Tension (S).

Prove that Force

Surface tension =
Length
 It has been observed that velocity of ripple waves produced in water
depends upon their Wavelength (λ), Density of water (ρ) and Surface
Tension (S).

Prove that Force

Surface tension =
Length

Solution:
According to the problem,

v ∝ λa ρb Sc

⇒ v = k λa ρb Sc
Where k is a dimensionless constant.

⇒ LT–1 = La (ML–3)b (MT–2)c

⇒ M0L1T–1 = Mb+c La–3b T–2c

⇒ M0L1T–1 = Mb+c La–3b T–2c

Using the principle of Homogeneity, we get

b+c = 0, a – 3b = 1, – 2c = –1

Solving these equations we get,

a = – 1 , b = – 1 , c = 1
2 2 2

So, the relation becomes,

v = k λ–1/2 ρ–1/2 S1/2

⇒ v∝ √ S
λρ ⇒ v2 ∝
S
λρ
If velocity of light (v), force (F) and time (t) are taken as fundamental
dimensions. Then dimensions of mass in this system will be …….

A. F1T3v0
B. F1T1v-1
C. F2T0v1
D. F2T0v-1
 If velocity of light (v), force (F) and time (t) are taken as fundamental
dimensions. Then dimensions of mass in this system will be …….

Solution:
We
Let mass = va Fb tc know,
Dimensions of mass = [M]
∴ [M] = [LT–1]a [MLT–2]b [T]c Dimensions of velocity, v= [LT–1]
⇒ [M] = [Mb La+b T–a–2b+c] Dimensions of force, F = [MLT–2]
Dimensions of time, t = [T]
Equating the powers of
dimensions on both sides

for M 1=b ⇒ c=1

→
for L → 0=a+b ⇒ 0=a+1 ⇒ a = –1

for T → 0 = –a – 2b + c ⇒ 0 = + 1 – 2 + c
Dimensions of mass in this system [mass] = v–1 F1t1
If Pressure (P), Length (L) and Momentum (J) are taken as fundamental
quantities. Find the dimensions of Energy (E)
A. P1L3J0
B. P1L3J-1
C. P2L0J1
D. P2L0J-1
 If Pressure (P), Length (L) and Momentum (J) are taken as
fundamental quantities. Find the dimensions of Energy (E)

Solution: We know,
Let E = k PaLbJc Dimensions of pressure, P = [ML–1T–2 ]
[ML2T–2] = [ML–1T–2]a[L]b [MLT–1]c Dimensions of Length, L = [L]
⇒
Dimensions of momentum, =J [MLT–1]
⇒ [ML2T–2] = [Ma+c L–a+b+c T–2a–c]
Dimensions of energy E = [ML2T–2 ]

for M → 1=a+c … (i)

Equating the powers of
for L → 2 = –a + b + c …(ii) dimensions an both
sides
for T → – 2 = –2a – c …(iii)
 If Pressure (P), Length (L) and Momentum (J) are taken as
fundamental quantities. Find the dimensions of Energy (E)

Solution: If pressure (P), length (L) and momentum (J) are taken as
fundamental quantities find the dimensions of energy (E)
Using, (i) + (iii), we get
1=a+c …(i)
–1 = –a ⇒ a=1
2 = –a + b + c …(ii)
∴ From (i) c=0
– 2 = –2a – c …(iii)
and from (ii)

2 = –1 + b + 0 ⇒ b=3 ∴ Dimensions of energy in new system are

[E] = P1L3J0
What are Significant Figures?
 What are Significant figures?
The significant figures of a number are digits that carry meaningful
contribution to its measurement resolution.

It is equal to the number of digits that are known with some degree of
confidence.
Actual Weight
76 Kg 75.17 Kg
76.3 kg
Rules to find number of significant figures ?
 Rules to find number of significant figures

A) Non decimal number

e.g 2607
1. Zeros between two non-zero digits are considered
SF → 4
significant
e.g 00123
1. Leading zeros are insignificant SF → 3
1. Trailing zeros are generally insignificant, because we don’t
e.g 12300
know if it has been rounded off to nearest hundred, or it’s
SF → 3
just a coincidence that it’s an exact multiple of 100
If its written as
2.7 × 103 SF 2
2.70 × 103 SF 3
A) Non Decimal number

001200300000
 Rules to find number of significant figures
B) Decimal number
(i) No’s greater than 1 (ii) No’s less than 1 Leading zeros are
insignificant & trailing zeros
All the digits are (1) 0.002 are significant
significant

(1) 32.0010 insignificant

(2) 32.000 (2) 0.102

(3) 0.00300
insignificant
significant
B) Decimal number

0012.0300000
Significant Figures can be done using a set of around 5 rules, With a lot of
complications for how to deal with zeroes.

Not significant: Not significant: Significant:

Zero for Zeroes used only All zeroes

“cosmetic” to locate the between non
purpose decimal point zero numbers

0 . 0 0 4 0 0 4 5 0 0

Significant: Significant:
All nonzero Zeroes at the end of a
integers number to the right of
decimal point
Find significant figures in 100
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Find significant figures in 00100. are
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Find significant figures in 100.0
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Find significant figures in 00.00
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
 How to use significant figures in calculations?

6 x 2 = 12 6 x 2 = 10
 Calculations considering Significant figures
(A) Addition/Subtraction Rules (considering SF)
Rule: The result cannot have more number of digits in decimal than the
least number of digits in decimal of the numbers involved in the
operation.
 A) Addition/Subtraction Rules (SF)

1 + 1.1 + 2.900 - 3.0 + 0.37

SIGNIFICANT TIP -
1. First compute normally
2. NOW Round Off based on minimum decimal places present in the numbers
Calculations considering Significant figures.

(A) Addition/Subtraction Rules (considering SF).

1. 4 + 16
2. 4.2 + 6.18
3. 4.00 + 3.162
4. 0.92 + 4
Solution: sigfigscalculator.com
Calculations considering Significant figures
(A) Addition/Subtraction Rules (considering SF) This has to be
rounded off

(1) 4 + 16 = 20 (2) 4.2 + 6.18 = 10.38 → 10.4

4.2 has only 1 digit in decimal

(3) 4.00 + 3.162 = 7.162 (4) 0.92 + 4 = 4.92 Round
= 7.16 off
=5
2 No decimal
decimal No decimal
 Calculations considering Significant figures
(B) Multiplication/Division Rules (considering SF)

Rule: Result will have same significant figure as the least SF in the
number involved in the operation.
 D) Multiplication/Division Rules (SF)

2 x 3.21

SIGNIFICANT TIP -
1. First compute normally
2. NOW Round Off based on minimum S.F. present in the numbers
Calculations considering Significant figures.
(B) Multiplication/Division Rules (considering SF).
 Solution:

Calculations considering Significant figures

(A) Multiplication/Division Rules (considering SF)

(1) 4.2 × 0.2 = 0.84 (2) 2 × 6 = 12
Round ( SF 2 )
off = 1.2 × 101 ( SF 2 )
0.8
SF 2 SF 1 SF 1 ( SF 1 )
= 1 × 101 or 10
(least) (SF → 1)

4.2
(3) =2 ( SF 1 ) (4) 1.6 × 1.6 = 2.56 ( SF 3 )
2.1 = 2.6 ( SF 2 )
= 2.0 ( SF 2 )
Rounding Off
Rounding Off
GOLDEN TIP

If the removed part is

5 or
50 or
500 or
5000 or
50000 or
500000….and so on
ENSURE we are EVEN (Units Place)
Rounding Off

GOLDEN TIP If the removed part is 5 or 5000000…. ENSURE we are EVEN (Units Place)
Rounding Off

Last figure
Number of Last figure to First figure kept and/or
NUMBER
places desired be kept to be kept number
becomes

6.422 1 6.4 6.42 6.4

6.4872 2 6.48 6.487 6.49

6.997 2 6.99 6.997 7.00

6.6500 1 6.6 6.65 6.6

7.485 2 7.48 7.485 7.48

GOLDEN TIP If the removed part is 5 or 5000000…. ENSURE we are EVEN (Units Place)
Rounding Off

Last figure
Number of
Last figure First figure kept and/or
NUMBER places
to be kept to be kept number
desired
becomes

6.755000 2 6.75 6.755 6.76

8.995 2 8.99 8.995 9.00

6.6501 1 6.6 6.65 6.7

7.4852007 2 7.48 7.485 7.49

GOLDEN TIP If the removed part is 5 or 5000000…. ENSURE we are EVEN (Units Place)
Order of Magnitude
Order of Magnitude

Squeeze the lemon to MAX

 Finding Order of Magnitude

(1) 32678 (2) 921

Solution:

Finding Order of magnitude

(1) 32678 = 3.2678 × 104

Order of
less than 5 magnitude 4

(2) 921 = 9.21 × 102 ≈ 103

Order of
Greater than 5 magnitude 3