Express 105 km/h in miles per hour. Round to the nearest hundredth.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To convert kilometers per hour (km/h) to miles per hour (mph), we can use the conversion factor where 1 kilometer is approximately equal to 0.621371 miles. Therefore, to convert 105 km/h to mph, we multiply by this conversion factor:
[
\text{Speed in mph} = \text{Speed in km/h} \times 0.621371
]
Plugging in the value:
[
\text{Speed in mph} = 105 \, \text{km/h} \times 0.621371 \, \text{miles/km}
]
Now performing the calculation:
[
\text{Speed in mph} = 105 \times 0.621371 \approx 65.246955
]
Rounding this value to the nearest hundredth, we get:
[
\text{Speed in mph} \approx 65.25 \, \text{mph}
]
Thus, 105 km/h is approximately 65.25 mph.
Explanation of Conversion
The need for converting between kilometers and miles arises from the fact that different countries use different systems of measurement. The metric system is prevalent in most parts of the world, where distances are measured in kilometers, while the imperial system, which uses miles, is predominantly used in the United States.
To ensure accurate speed measurements across these systems, knowing the conversion factor is essential. The factor of 0.621371 is derived from the definition of both units: one kilometer is precisely 0.621371 miles.
When performing the conversion, it is important to maintain precision, especially when rounding. In this case, rounding to the nearest hundredth helps present the speed in a clear and practical manner, which can be beneficial for applications such as driving regulations or speed limit enforcement.
Understanding and performing these conversions not only aids in navigation and travel but also enhances communication between individuals from different regions, ensuring that speed-related information is understood universally. This is particularly crucial in contexts such as international travel or when dealing with global shipping and logistics, where different speed units may be utilized.