noun
significant digit; significant figure
Mathematical term referring to digits that carry meaningful information about precision. Often used in contexts like rounding, measurement, and scientific notation.
この計算では有効桁を3桁に丸めてください。
Please round to three significant digits in this calculation.
測定値の有効桁に注意して記録する。
Record the measured values, paying attention to significant figures.
Synonym for significant digits; 有効数字 is slightly more common in some textbooks, but both are used interchangeably.
Compound of 有効 (valid, effective) and 桁 (digit, column). The term is a direct translation of the English 'significant digit' used in mathematics and science.