• It essential that the correct scientific measurements are used when discussing biological experiments
• Ensure that the?correct symbols?are used in conjunction with the unit of measurement
  • E.g. m3?for cubic metres

   

Units of Measurement Table

• cm3?is the same as millilitre (ml)
• dm3?is the same as litre (l)

• Significant figures must be used when dealing with?quantitative?data
• Significant figures are the digits in a number that are?reliable and absolutely necessary?to indicate the quantity of that number
• There are some important?rules?to remember for significant figures
  • All non-zero digits are significant
  • Zeros between non-zero digits are significant
    • 4107 (4.s.f.)
    • 29.009 (5.s.f)

     

  • Zeros that come before all non-zero digits are not significant
    • 0.00079 (2.s.f.)
    • 0.48 (2.s.f.)

     

  • Zeros after non-zero digits within a number without decimals are not significant
    • 57,000 (2.s.f)
    • 640 (2.s.f)

     

  • Zeros after non-zero digits within a number with decimals are significant
    • 689.0023 (7.s.f)

     

   

• When rounding to a certain number of significant figures:
  • Identify the significant figures within the number using the rules above
  • Count from the first significant figure to the specified number
  • Use the next number as the ‘rounder decider’
  • If the decider is 5 or greater, increase the previous value by 1

   

Step 1: Identify the significant figures

They are all significant figures

Step 2: Count to the specified number (3rd s.f.)

1.0478

Step 3: Round up or down

1.05