Significant figures

Question

how are significant figures determined when given a number such as x^y when x is not 10? Ex: 365^32. Do you evaluate the problem to determine the significant figures or is the significance inherent in what is presented?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes, you would actually calculate 365³² and the number of significant figures will depend on your computation method. If you actually did the horrendous feat of multiplying 365 by 31 factors of 365, ALL of the figures would be significant. Every other method will depend on the method. Your calculator will have some round off error inherent in the algorithm for exponentiation and that will define your number of significant figures. 32 and 365, as written, are exact and introduce no round off error.