Convert 138 pounds to kilograms.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert 138 pounds to kilograms, we use the conversion factor that 1 pound is approximately equal to 0.453592 kilograms. The conversion can be calculated as follows:
[
\text{Weight in kilograms} = \text{Weight in pounds} \times \text{Conversion factor}
]
Using this formula:
[
\text{Weight in kilograms} = 138 \, \text{pounds} \times 0.453592 \, \text{kg/pound}
]
Calculating this gives:
[
\text{Weight in kilograms} \approx 138 \times 0.453592 \approx 62.595 \, \text{kg}
]
Therefore, 138 pounds is approximately 62.60 kilograms.
Explanation of the Conversion Process
Converting weight from pounds to kilograms is a common requirement, especially in healthcare and fitness contexts, where metric units are often preferred. The relationship between pounds and kilograms is based on defined conversion factors, with 1 pound being approximately equal to 0.453592 kilograms.
When performing the conversion, the process involves multiplying the number of pounds by this conversion factor. This step is crucial because it translates the measurement from the Imperial system (commonly used in the United States) to the metric system (used in most other parts of the world).
The significance of knowing how to convert these units lies not only in academic contexts but also in practical applications. For instance, healthcare professionals often need to convert body weight to accurately prescribe medications or determine appropriate dosages. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts may want to track their weight loss or gain in kilograms, which is standard in many fitness programs globally.
Accuracy in conversion is important; thus, using precise factors is essential to ensure that the converted values are reliable. Given that slight differences in rounding can lead to variances in applications, using a calculator or digital converter can help minimize errors in conversion.
In summary, understanding the conversion from pounds to kilograms is a practical skill with numerous applications across various fields, emphasizing the importance of familiarity with both measurement systems.