How tall is 59 and 1/2 inches in feet?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert 59 1/2 inches into feet, we can first express 59 1/2 inches as a decimal and then divide by 12, as there are 12 inches in a foot.
Calculation:
- Convert 59 1/2 to a decimal:
[
59 + \frac{1}{2} = 59.5 \text{ inches}
] - Convert inches to feet:
[
\frac{59.5}{12} = 4.9583 \text{ feet}
]
So, 59 1/2 inches is approximately 4.96 feet.
Explanation:
To understand this conversion, it helps to know that feet and inches are units commonly used in the U.S. customary system for measuring length. In this system, one foot equals 12 inches. This means any measurement in inches can be converted to feet by dividing by 12.
Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Convert the Mixed Number to Decimal: First, convert 59 1/2 inches to a decimal by recognizing that 1/2 inch is equal to 0.5 inches. This makes the total measurement 59.5 inches.
- Divide by 12: To find the number of feet, divide the total inches by 12, as 12 inches make up one foot.
- Interpret the Decimal in Feet: After dividing, we get 4.9583 feet, which is approximately 4.96 feet. This is almost 5 feet but slightly under, so it’s important to maintain this precision depending on the need for accuracy.
Why This Matters in Practical Use:
This conversion is useful when measurements need to be interpreted in different units, for example, in construction or healthcare settings, where a precise understanding of height can be important.