What is the term for counting digits from the first non-zero digit?

The term for counting digits from the first non-zero digit is known as "Significant Figures." This concept is crucial in science and engineering, as significant figures convey the precision of a measurement. When counting significant figures, you start with the first non-zero digit and include all subsequent digits, regardless of whether they are zeros or not, until any trailing zeros after a decimal point. This methodology ensures that the precision of the measured value is accurately communicated, which is essential for various calculations and scientific reporting. This practice helps in avoiding overestimation or underestimation of the accuracy of measurements, thereby influencing the quality and reliability of results in engineering and scientific work.

Other options do not encompass this concept: "Decimal Places" refers to the number of digits to the right of the decimal point, "Whole Numbers" are non-negative integers without fractional parts, and "Trailing Figures" typically refer to zeros that come after the last non-zero digit but are specific to formatting rather than the general principle of counting significant figures.