Express 160 pounds (lbs) in kilograms (kg). Round to the nearest hundredths.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To convert pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg), you can use the conversion factor:
[
1 \text{ lb} = 0.453592 \text{ kg}
]
To convert 160 lbs to kilograms, multiply 160 by the conversion factor:
[
160 \text{ lbs} \times 0.453592 \text{ kg/lb} = 72.57488 \text{ kg}
]
Rounding this to the nearest hundredth gives:
[
72.57 \text{ kg}
]
Explanation of the Conversion Process
The conversion from pounds to kilograms is a common requirement, especially in contexts like nutrition, fitness, and international travel, where different measurement systems are used. The pound is part of the imperial system predominantly used in the United States, while the kilogram is part of the metric system used worldwide.
When converting measurements, it is essential to know the conversion factor. In this case, the conversion factor tells us how many kilograms are in one pound. Knowing that 1 pound equals approximately 0.453592 kilograms allows us to easily convert any weight from pounds to kilograms.
To perform the conversion, you multiply the number of pounds by the conversion factor. This straightforward multiplication yields the equivalent weight in kilograms.
After calculating, we obtained a value of approximately 72.57488 kg for 160 lbs. To express this result clearly and in line with standard practices, we round the number to two decimal places, resulting in 72.57 kg. Rounding is crucial in scientific and practical applications to ensure precision while maintaining clarity.
This conversion is particularly useful in many fields, including health and fitness, where individuals may need to monitor their weight in kilograms, especially when interacting with global health standards or equipment that displays weight in metric units. By converting and rounding correctly, you ensure accurate and understandable communication of weight measurements.