If a length is measured as 150.0 cm, how many significant figures does it have?

If a length is measured as 150.0 cm, how many significant figures does it have?

Step 1: Identify the number given, which is 150.0 cm.
Step 2: Look at the digits in the number. The digits are 1, 5, 0, and 0.
Step 3: Understand that all non-zero digits (1 and 5) are always significant.
Step 4: Recognize that any zeros between non-zero digits are significant. In this case, the zero between 1 and 5 is significant.
Step 5: Note that trailing zeros (zeros at the end of a number) after a decimal point are also significant. The zero after the decimal in 150.0 is significant.
Step 6: Count all the significant figures: 1, 5, 0 (from 150), and the last 0 (from .0). This gives us a total of 4 significant figures.

Significant Figures – Understanding how to identify significant figures in a number, including the rules for zeros.