Convert 45 kilometers to miles. (1 kilometer = 0.62 miles)
27.9 miles
72.58 miles
13.2 miles
44.7 miles
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert kilometers to miles, you can use the conversion factor where 1 kilometer is equivalent to 0.62 miles. To find out how many miles are in 45 kilometers, you can multiply the number of kilometers by the conversion factor:
[
\text{Miles} = \text{Kilometers} \times \text{Conversion factor}
]
Substituting the values:
[
\text{Miles} = 45 \text{ kilometers} \times 0.62 \text{ miles/kilometer}
]
Calculating this gives:
[
\text{Miles} = 45 \times 0.62 = 27.9 \text{ miles}
]
Thus, the correct answer is 27.9 miles.
Explanation
Understanding unit conversion is essential, especially in fields like science, engineering, and everyday life, where different measurement systems are used. The metric system (kilometers) is commonly used in most parts of the world, while the imperial system (miles) is used primarily in the United States. This discrepancy often necessitates conversions between these systems.
The conversion factor is a constant that allows for accurate translation between two units of measurement. In this case, the factor of 0.62 miles per kilometer indicates how many miles correspond to one kilometer. This factor is derived from the relationship between these two units, making it a reliable reference point for conversions.
When converting units, precision is important, especially in scientific and technical applications where even slight inaccuracies can lead to significant errors. Therefore, it is crucial to use the correct conversion factors and to be mindful of the context in which the conversions are being applied.
In this particular conversion of 45 kilometers to miles, the calculation demonstrates a straightforward application of multiplication. The process shows how simple conversions can facilitate understanding across different measurement systems, making communication and data interpretation more effective. This is especially useful in travel, navigation, and global commerce, where distances often need to be converted from kilometers to miles or vice versa.