IEMJEE Physics preparation: Significant figures — practice worksheet with answers

How to use this worksheet

This independent worksheet checks significant figures with a new problem, an explanation task and an interleaved related skill. It is not an official IEM question paper, a difficulty forecast or a prescribed timed examination.

Write an attempt first, then compare your method with the visible answers. Record whether a miss came from interpretation, a missing concept, execution or a condition you overlooked.

Question 1: apply the topic

How many significant figures does 0.00450 contain?

Answer and checking point

Three: 4, 5 and the final reported zero.

Check dimensions, direction and limiting behaviour. Ask whether the answer should increase or decrease when an input changes. A dimensional check is necessary in many calculations but cannot certify an omitted dimensionless coefficient or an inappropriate physical model.

Question 2: diagnose an approach

Explain why the following warning matters and identify the correction it calls for: Leading zeros locate the decimal point; they do not add measurement precision.

Model checkpoint: Reported precision should reflect the precision of measurements. Counting digits is different from counting decimal places. Governing rule: For multiplication, report according to the least number of significant figures among measured inputs.

Question 3: transfer to average acceleration

A cart slows from 12 m/s to 2 m/s in 5 s. Find acceleration along its initial positive direction.

Answer: (2−12)/5=−2 m/s².

This is an interleaved related-skill task, not a claim that the two topics have identical methods. Explain which idea changes when switching from the main topic to this one.

Review the attempt

Separate correct answers reached with a justified method from lucky guesses. Rework missed steps without looking at the answer, then use a fresh problem from an appropriate primary textbook or official paper. Do not use a small worksheet result as an admission cutoff, rank or readiness guarantee.

Official sources and verification

Sources checked on 26 October 2026. A source’s date, programme and campus limit which claims it supports. Official pages may change after review.

1. UEM — IEMJEE examination information

   Historical examination pattern; verify the current cycle on the central portal.

2. NTA — explicitly labelled JEE Main 2026 syllabus

   Historical PCM syllabus reference. Lessons and exercises are independently authored, not official IEMJEE papers or verified 2027 paper predictions.

3. NCERT — official textbook catalogue

   Primary textbook reference for checking school-level concepts. This directory does not certify the independent lesson or establish IEM examination weightage.

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