Metric Prefixes and Significant Figures
Think of metric prefixes as shortcuts that make huge or tiny numbers manageable. From tera (10¹²) down to atto (10⁻¹⁸), these prefixes help scientists communicate without writing endless zeros.
Significant figures tell you how precise your measurements really are. Count all non-zero digits, zeros between non-zero digits, and trailing zeros after a decimal point. For example, 149.0 has 4 significant figures, while 582.8 has 4 as well.
The rule is simple: your final answer can't be more precise than your least precise measurement. It's like saying you can't be more accurate than your worst tool!
Memory Trick: "King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk Under Noon Properly" helps remember kilo, hecto, deca, base, deci, centi, milli, micro, nano, pico!