Justin weighs 72 kilograms. What is his weight in pounds?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert Justin’s weight from kilograms to pounds: 1 kilogram=2.20462 pounds1 \text{ kilogram} = 2.20462 \text{ pounds} 72 kg×2.20462=158.73264 pounds72 \text{ kg} \times 2.20462 = 158.73264 \text{ pounds}
Answer: Justin weighs approximately 158.73 pounds.
Explanation
Weight is commonly measured in different units depending on the country or system being used. The metric system, which includes kilograms (kg), is used in most countries worldwide, while the imperial system, which includes pounds (lb), is commonly used in the United States.
To convert weight from kilograms to pounds, you use a fixed conversion factor:
1 kilogram equals approximately 2.20462 pounds.
This factor is derived based on the relationship between the metric and imperial units of mass. A kilogram is defined as the mass of a specific platinum-iridium alloy cylinder stored in France, and it is part of the International System of Units (SI). The pound, on the other hand, has historical origins in Roman and British measurement systems and has been standardized as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms.
To perform the conversion for Justin’s weight:
- Multiply the number of kilograms (72) by the conversion factor (2.20462).
- The calculation is: 72×2.20462=158.7326472 \times 2.20462 = 158.73264
Rounding to two decimal places (a common practice when dealing with body weight), Justin weighs 158.73 pounds.
Conversions like this are useful in contexts such as international travel, medical records, fitness tracking, and scientific studies where units may differ depending on the country or field of work. Understanding how to accurately convert between units helps ensure clear communication and accurate data analysis.
Thus, anyone interpreting Justin’s weight in a context where pounds are used can now understand that he weighs about 158.73 pounds.
