The child weighs 55 lbs. Convert the child’s weight in pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg) using the measurement conversion chart in your textbook
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
To convert the child’s weight from pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg), use the conversion factor:
1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms
So:
55 lbs × 0.4536 kg/lb = 24.948 kg
Answer: The child’s weight is approximately 24.95 kilograms.
Explanation
When converting weights from pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg), it’s important to understand the relationship between these two units of mass. Pounds are commonly used in the United States, while kilograms are the standard unit in most other countries and in scientific contexts. To make accurate conversions, we use a fixed conversion factor, which is typically provided in textbooks, charts, or reliable online sources.
The standard conversion factor is:
1 pound (lb) = 0.4536 kilograms (kg)
This means that for every pound, there are 0.4536 kilograms. To convert any given weight in pounds to kilograms, multiply the number of pounds by 0.4536. In this case, the child’s weight is 55 pounds. So you perform the calculation:
55 × 0.4536 = 24.948
This result tells you that 55 pounds is equal to 24.948 kilograms. Rounding to two decimal places (which is standard for many medical or educational settings), the final answer becomes 24.95 kilograms.
This type of conversion is important in fields like healthcare, where dosages for medications or nutritional needs often depend on body weight in kilograms. It’s also essential for international travel, education, and science, where metric units are the norm.
By understanding how to use a conversion chart or apply the correct multiplication factor, you can quickly and accurately translate measurements between systems. Always remember to include units in your final answer and round appropriately based on the situation’s context.
