Convert the following. Round to nearest hundredth.
143 lb to kg
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To convert pounds (lb) to kilograms (kg), you can use the conversion factor:
[ 1 \, \text{lb} \approx 0.453592 \, \text{kg} ]
Calculation
To convert 143 lb to kg:
[
143 \, \text{lb} \times 0.453592 \, \text{kg/lb} = 64.8640 \, \text{kg}
]
Rounding this result to the nearest hundredth gives:
[
64.86 \, \text{kg}
]
Explanation of the Conversion Process
Understanding how to convert weight from pounds to kilograms is essential, especially in fields like healthcare, nutrition, and fitness, where different countries use different measurement systems. The imperial system, which includes pounds, is commonly used in the United States, while most other countries use the metric system, which includes kilograms.
The conversion factor of 0.453592 kg per pound allows for straightforward calculation. This number is derived from the definition of a pound in relation to the kilogram, a unit defined as one thousand grams. Since there are 2.20462 pounds in a kilogram, the reciprocal of this number gives us the conversion factor for pounds to kilograms.
To perform the conversion, multiply the number of pounds by the conversion factor. In this case, multiplying 143 by 0.453592 yields a precise result. When dealing with numerical data, it’s important to consider the significance of rounding. Rounding to the nearest hundredth ensures that we maintain an appropriate level of precision for most practical applications, without being unnecessarily detailed. This practice is common in scientific and medical calculations where accuracy is paramount but excessive decimal points can complicate data interpretation.
By rounding to two decimal places, we represent the weight of 143 lb as approximately 64.86 kg. This value is useful in various contexts, including dietary planning, fitness goals, and health assessments. Understanding how to convert these units can aid in communicating effectively across different measurement systems.