Significant figures, often referred to as significant digits, are the digits in a number that contribute to its accuracy and precision. This concept is vital in scientific and engineering calculations where the precision of measurements impacts the reliability of results.
A significant figure is any nonzero digit or any embedded or trailing zero that is part of the measurement. Leading zeros, which precede all nonzero digits, are not significant because they only indicate the position of the decimal point. For example, in the number 0.0051, the significant figures are '5' and '1', whereas the zeros are not significant.



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