Penny has a pencil that is 19 cm long. How long the pencil In inches
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To convert the length of Penny’s pencil from centimeters to inches, we need to use the conversion factor between these two units of measurement. Specifically, 1 inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters.
Conversion Calculation
Given that Penny’s pencil measures 19 cm, we can set up the conversion as follows:Length in inches=Length in centimetersConversion factor (cm to inches)\text{Length in inches} = \frac{\text{Length in centimeters}}{\text{Conversion factor (cm to inches)}}Length in inches=Conversion factor (cm to inches)Length in centimeters
Substituting the known values into this equation gives:Length in inches=19 cm2.54 cm/inch\text{Length in inches} = \frac{19 \text{ cm}}{2.54 \text{ cm/inch}}Length in inches=2.54 cm/inch19 cm
Calculating this yields:Length in inches≈7.48 inches\text{Length in inches} \approx 7.48 \text{ inches}Length in inches≈7.48 inches
Detailed Explanation
The process of converting centimeters to inches is a straightforward application of dimensional analysis, which is a method used in mathematics and science to convert between different units of measure. In this case, we utilize the known conversion factor that links centimeters to inches.
Centimeters are part of the metric system, which is based on powers of ten, making it easier to convert between units. Inches, on the other hand, are part of the imperial system commonly used in the United States and a few other countries. The conversion factor of 2.54 centimeters per inch is a fixed number that reflects the relationship between these two systems of measurement.
When we perform the division of the pencil’s length in centimeters by the conversion factor, we effectively scale down the length into the smaller units of inches. This calculation not only provides a numerical answer but also reinforces our understanding of how measurements relate to each other across different systems.
In practical applications, this type of conversion is crucial in fields such as engineering, construction, and everyday activities where precise measurements are necessary. Understanding how to convert units allows for better communication of dimensions, ensuring that specifications are met, regardless of the measurement system used. Thus, Penny’s pencil length of 19 cm translates to approximately 7.48 inches when converted.