Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Measured Numbers
Measured numbers are values obtained through measurement and are subject to uncertainty. They include a degree of precision based on the measuring instrument used. For example, Sandra's patient's mass of 67.5 kg is a measured number because it reflects a specific measurement that can vary slightly depending on the scale's accuracy.
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Exact Numbers
Exact numbers are values that are counted or defined and have no uncertainty associated with them. They are considered to have infinite precision. An example of an exact number is the number of patients in a study, such as 10 patients, which is a definitive count without any measurement error.
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Significant Figures
Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision, including all non-zero digits, any zeros between them, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. Understanding significant figures is crucial when interpreting measured numbers, as they indicate the reliability of the measurement. In the example of 67.5 kg, there are three significant figures, reflecting the precision of the measurement.
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