This item is an interactive demonstration of the topic of significant digits. It computes the error that can be introduced by rounding during a calculation. Users input numbers and operations and select the number of significant digits for rounding the inputs. The result of the calculation is computed using the actual and rounded inputs, along with the percent difference between two. Users may select from addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for the operations.

This item is part of a collection of instructional materials for introductory engineering courses on six topics: Statics, Dynamics, Fluids, Thermodynamics, Calculus, and Multimedia. See related items on this page for a link to the complete collection.

Please note that this resource requires Shockwave.