What is true about significant figures in the context of measurements?

In the context of measurements, significant figures refer to the digits that carry meaning contributing to a measurement's precision. The selection stating that significant figures can only consist of digits that are actually provided reflects an important principle: only the non-placeholder digits in a reported measurement are considered significant.

For instance, in the number 0.00452, the leading zeros (0.00) are not counted as significant because they serve only as placeholders. In contrast, the digits '452' are significant because they provide meaningful information about the precision of the measurement.

Significant figures ensure clarity and accuracy in scientific communication, allowing for precise interpretations of measurement quality. Therefore, the idea that significant figures are derived strictly from the digits actually present in the measurement is crucial. This understanding helps prevent ambiguity when reporting data and ensures that scientific comparisons are valid and consistent.