(3 of 6) One kilometer is equivalent to __ miles. ?
0.62
1000
1.61
3.28
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is 0.62 miles.
To understand the conversion between kilometers and miles, it’s important to know the conversion factor. One kilometer is approximately equal to 0.621371 miles. This conversion factor is based on the international definition of the metric system and the customary U.S. system for measuring distance.
To convert kilometers to miles, you multiply the number of kilometers by this factor. For example, if you want to convert 5 kilometers into miles, you would calculate:
5 kilometers × 0.621371 miles/kilometer = 3.107 miles
This method works for any number of kilometers you want to convert to miles.
The reverse is also true. If you want to convert miles to kilometers, you use the reciprocal of the conversion factor. That is, you divide the number of miles by 0.621371 to get the equivalent distance in kilometers.
As for the other options in the question:
- 1000 is simply the number of meters in a kilometer, not relevant to the conversion between kilometers and miles.
- 1.61 is close, but not exact; it is a rounded value commonly used for simple conversions.
- 3.28 refers to feet per meter, not a factor for kilometers to miles conversion.
Knowing the proper conversion factor is essential for accurate measurement, especially when working in both metric and imperial systems. It’s commonly used in fields like geography, aviation, engineering, and more, where distance measurements are required in different systems.