Convert 175 cm to feet
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Conversion:
175 cm = 5 feet 8.9 inches
(or approximately 5.74 feet)
Explanation
To convert centimeters (cm) to feet (ft), it’s important to understand the relationship between the two units. The metric system (which includes centimeters) and the imperial system (which includes feet and inches) are different measurement systems.
Step 1: Understand the conversion factor
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
1 foot = 12 inches
So,
1 foot = 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm
Step 2: Convert cm to feet
To convert 175 cm to feet:
175 ÷ 30.48 = 5.74147 feet
This means 175 cm is approximately 5.74 feet.
Step 3: Break it down to feet and inches
To express the decimal part (0.74147) in inches, multiply it by 12 (since 1 foot = 12 inches):
0.74147 × 12 = 8.8976 inches
So, 175 cm is about 5 feet and 8.9 inches.
Why this matters:
Understanding this kind of conversion is useful in many real-life situations. For example, height is commonly measured in centimeters in most countries, but in the United States and a few other countries, height is typically expressed in feet and inches. Therefore, being able to convert between these units is important for things like filling out forms, understanding height requirements (e.g., for rides, sports, or health metrics), or simply communicating clearly in different regions.
Moreover, knowing how to perform these conversions without a calculator also builds stronger numeracy skills. This is especially helpful for students, travelers, or professionals working across international boundaries, such as in healthcare, aviation, or engineering, where precision is key.
