Convert 60 kilometers per hour to miles per hour. Round to the nearest hundredth if necessary. 60 kilometers per hour miles per hour
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert kilometers per hour (km/h) to miles per hour (mph), you can use the conversion factor:
[ 1 \text{ km} = 0.621371 \text{ miles} ]
Step-by-Step Conversion:
- Identify the Conversion Factor: We know that 1 kilometer is approximately equal to 0.621371 miles.
- Multiply by the Conversion Factor: To convert 60 km/h to mph, you multiply the speed in kilometers by the conversion factor:
[
60 \text{ km/h} \times 0.621371 \text{ miles/km} = 37.28226 \text{ mph}
] - Rounding: According to the instruction, we round the result to the nearest hundredth:
[
37.28226 \text{ mph} \approx 37.28 \text{ mph}
]
Final Result:
Thus, 60 kilometers per hour is approximately 37.28 miles per hour.
Explanation:
The conversion from kilometers to miles is essential in various contexts, especially in countries where speed limits and distances are given in miles. Understanding the relationship between these units allows for better comprehension of travel distances and speeds when navigating or traveling in different regions.
The conversion factor of 0.621371 is derived from the fact that a mile is slightly longer than a kilometer. Specifically, one mile equals approximately 1.60934 kilometers. This means that when we are converting km/h to mph, we effectively reduce the number of miles covered in the same time period compared to kilometers because a mile is longer than a kilometer.
In practical terms, this conversion is particularly useful for drivers, travelers, and even in athletics, where speeds may be expressed in different units. For instance, if a vehicle’s speed is measured in kilometers per hour, it is vital for drivers in countries that use the imperial system to understand how fast they are going in miles per hour. Therefore, performing these conversions accurately can help avoid confusion and ensure compliance with speed limits.