Topic Five (1.5): Significant figures

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

You are now going to learn about significant figures. 

Consolidate Icon.png Warm Up

First complete the skill checker on page 42.

If you need a refresher on rounding to decimal places, try watching this MathsWatch video:

WATCH – Rounding to Decimal places (MathsWatch) Links to an external site.

Interact Icon.png Working through your course book

  • Start by watching this video, which introduces the topic nicely:

WATCH – Rounding to Significant Figures (MathsWatch) Links to an external site.

  • Read and make notes on pages 42-43, copying out the worked examples. 
  • Now see if you can answer the Band 2 questions on page 44. 
  • If you would like more practice, then work through these lessons on the MyMaths website: 

EXPLORE – Significant figures (MyMaths) Links to an external site. 

  • You may also want to watch the following Corbettmaths video:  

Optional Activities Icon.png Plenary

You have a choice: you can end this lesson by playing a maths game, or watching a video (or even both, if you have time!)

Game-time!

Can you Beat the Clock with this rounding to significant figures game? The game is on slide 9: 

PLAY – Significant figures (MyMaths) Links to an external site.

Video

This video looks at how the accuracy that a speed is measured to will depend upon the situation:

WATCH – Rounding: Snails vs Rockets (Twig)   [Not available on Sample course]

Bridge Icon.png Support activities for this topic

The Band 1 questions on page 43 will help build your skills on this topic.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

If you would like more of a challenge on this topic, go to page 44 and attempt the Band 3 questions.