A man weighs 181 lb. (pounds). How much is this in kilograms (kg)?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
A man who weighs 181 pounds (lb) weighs approximately 82.1 kilograms (kg).
Conversion:
To convert pounds to kilograms, use the conversion factor:
1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms
So,
181 lb × 0.453592 = 82.1002 kg
Rounded to one decimal place, this is 82.1 kg.
Explanation:
Understanding the conversion between pounds and kilograms is essential, especially in fields like science, medicine, sports, and international travel. The pound (lb) is a unit of mass commonly used in the United States and a few other countries, while the kilogram (kg) is the standard unit of mass in the metric system, used globally and in scientific contexts.
The metric system, which includes kilograms, is based on powers of ten, making calculations and conversions straightforward. The kilogram is defined by the International System of Units (SI), and it is used in most countries around the world. In contrast, the pound is part of the imperial system, which is less consistent in its unit progression.
The key to converting between these systems is knowing the exact conversion factor: 1 pound equals 0.453592 kilograms. This value is defined precisely and does not vary. Therefore, to convert pounds to kilograms, you simply multiply the weight in pounds by this conversion factor.
In this case, a man weighs 181 lb. When we multiply this by 0.453592, we get approximately 82.1 kg. This tells us that his weight in the metric system is just over 82 kilograms. Such conversions are important for consistency in global health data, sports competitions, nutritional labels, and international travel, where weight may need to be reported in kilograms.
By understanding how to convert units accurately, individuals can better interpret weight-related data in different systems. This is particularly important in healthcare, where drug dosages and equipment capacities often depend on body weight measured in kilograms.
