Define significant figure. Discuss the importance of using the proper number of significant figures in measurements and calculations.

Significant figure is the measure of how accurately something can be measured. It carries meaning contributing to its measurement resolution. It is important to use proper number of significant figures to get a precise measurement. For example, if we use a meter stick then measurements like 0.874 meters, or 0.900 meters, are good because they indicate that we can measure to the nearest millimeter. Whereas a measurement like 0.8 does not tell that a meter stick can measure to the nearest millimeter.