A level OCR A precision

Hello

With the mark schemes, many questions use data such as g to 3 sig figs 9.81 but the answer is only to 2 sig figs

If I answer to 3 sig figs, because 1 bit of data is to 3 sig figs or g is done to 3 sig figs, will I get the full marks?

Thanks

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 1

Drummy

Original post

by Olly5847558

Hello
With the mark schemes, many questions use data such as g to 3 sig figs 9.81 but the answer is only to 2 sig figs
If I answer to 3 sig figs, because 1 bit of data is to 3 sig figs or g is done to 3 sig figs, will I get the full marks?
Thanks

you are supposed to match the number of sig figs in the data you're given.
If the question has the phrase "answer to a suitable number of significant figures" then this is important.
Other wise you can't go wrong with 3.
Note:
For percentage uncertainty you should use a maximum of 2 and 1 is usually sufficient

Reply 2

Nitrotoluene

For example, if a question doesn’t specify how many digits to use, I generally use 3. But if it says: Can you provide a specific number, then I will do so. When it comes to percentage uncertainty my general practice is a single digit or possibly two.
Bye,
Sandro

Reply 3

O4564646

Original post

by Drummy

I get that, but even when the question data goes to 3 sig figs, the mark scheme answer is 2 sig figs. Would I get marked down for saying 3 sig figs not 2 sig figs despite what I just said?

Reply 4

Eimmanuel

Study Forum Helper

Original post

by Olly5847558

I get that, but even when the question data goes to 3 sig figs, the mark scheme answer is 2 sig figs. Would I get marked down for saying 3 sig figs not 2 sig figs despite what I just said?

It would be better that you quote the question with given MS.
MS is NOT a model answer in some cases.

Reply 5

Drummy

Original post

by Olly5847558

I get that, but even when the question data goes to 3 sig figs, the mark scheme answer is 2 sig figs. Would I get marked down for saying 3 sig figs not 2 sig figs despite what I just said?