What are significant figures? Show how to indicate the number one thousand to 1 significant figure, 2 significant figures, 3 significant figures, and 4 significant figures. Why is the answer, to the correct number of significant figures, not \(1.0\) for the following calculation? $$ \frac{1.5-1.0}{0.50}= $$

Significant figures are digits in a number that carry meaning and contribute to its measurement precision. To represent one thousand with varying significant figures, we have: \(1\) significant figure: \(1 \times 10^3\); \(2\) significant figures: \(1.0 \times 10^3\); \(3\) significant figures: \(1.00 \times 10^3\); and \(4\) significant figures: \(1.000 \times 10^3\). For the given calculation, \(\frac{1.5-1.0}{0.50}\), after performing the subtraction and division with proper consideration of significant figures, the result is \(1.0\). Contrary to the question, the correct answer is \(1.0\). This might be due to a mistake in the text or an attempt to demonstrate the importance of using significant figures correctly, leading to the right answer, which is \(1.0\).