4 ft 5 in to a single unit measure
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To convert 4 feet 5 inches to a single unit of measurement (inches), you need to first convert both the feet and inches into inches and then sum them up.
Step-by-Step Conversion:
- Convert feet to inches:
- 1 foot = 12 inches.
- Therefore, 4 feet = 4 × 12 = 48 inches.
- Add the remaining inches:
- The original measurement has 5 inches.
- Add this to the 48 inches from the 4 feet:
48 inches + 5 inches = 53 inches.
Thus, 4 feet 5 inches is equivalent to 53 inches.
Explanation:
The reason for this conversion process is that measurements in feet and inches are part of a non-decimal system commonly known as the Imperial or U.S. customary system. In this system, feet and inches are distinct units of length, where 1 foot equals 12 inches. When measurements are given in feet and inches, it’s often necessary to express them as a single unit to simplify calculations, comparisons, or understanding of the total length.
For example, when measuring the height of an individual, one might use feet and inches (e.g., 5 feet 8 inches), but in certain contexts, like construction, engineering, or certain scientific work, converting to a single unit (inches, in this case) may make measurements easier to work with. This is particularly true when precise measurements are needed, or when measurements from different systems (e.g., metric) need to be compared or converted.
Moreover, converting feet and inches into inches also helps in calculating areas or volumes, where more straightforward calculations are needed. For example, to calculate the area of a rectangular room in square feet, knowing the length and width in inches might simplify the process if a person is using tools that measure in inches rather than feet.