How many pounds (lbs) are in 10 kilograms (kg)? (Use the approximate conversion factor: 1 kg = 2.2 lbs)
a. 22 lbs
b. 2 lbs
c. 20 lbs
d. 200 lbs
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. 22 lbs.
To convert kilograms to pounds, you can multiply the number of kilograms by the approximate conversion factor of 2.2 lbs per kg.
Here’s how you calculate it:
- Start with the amount of kilograms. In this case, you have 10 kg.
- Multiply by the conversion factor of 2.2 lbs per kg:
10 kg × 2.2 lbs/kg = 22 lbs.
This means that 10 kilograms is equal to 22 pounds.
To better understand this conversion, it’s helpful to recognize that the relationship between kilograms and pounds is a standard one used in many countries that use the metric system (kilograms) and those that use the imperial system (pounds).
The kilogram is a base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI), widely used around the world, while pounds are a part of the imperial system primarily used in the United States and some other countries. Conversion factors like the one used here (1 kg = 2.2 lbs) are used to bridge the gap between the two systems.
The value of 2.2 lbs per kg is an approximation because the exact conversion factor is actually 2.20462 lbs per kg. However, for most everyday purposes, 2.2 lbs per kg provides a sufficient degree of accuracy.
This conversion is crucial when dealing with different measurement systems, especially in fields like healthcare, engineering, and even international trade where mass may need to be converted across different units of measure.