If mans mass is 180 pounds, find his mass in grams
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Answer:
A man’s mass is 180 pounds. To convert this to grams:
1 pound = 453.59237 grams
So:
180 pounds × 453.59237 grams/pound = 81,646.6266 grams
Final Answer: 81,646.63 grams (rounded to two decimal places)
Explanation (Textbook Style):
To solve problems involving unit conversions, it is important to understand the relationship between the units being converted. In this case, the goal is to convert mass from pounds (a unit commonly used in the United States) to grams (a metric unit used in scientific contexts and in most countries around the world).
The conversion factor between pounds and grams is based on a fixed relationship:
1 pound (lb) is equal to 453.59237 grams (g). This is a standard, defined conversion factor used in scientific and engineering fields.
To perform the conversion, the mass in pounds is multiplied by the number of grams in one pound. This method uses dimensional analysis—a mathematical technique that ensures units cancel appropriately to leave the desired unit.
Given a mass of 180 pounds:180 lb×453.59237 g1 lb=81,646.6266 g180 \, \text{lb} \times \frac{453.59237 \, \text{g}}{1 \, \text{lb}} = 81,646.6266 \, \text{g}180lb×1lb453.59237g=81,646.6266g
Notice how the unit “pounds” cancels out, leaving the final answer in grams. The resulting value is approximately 81,646.63 grams when rounded to two decimal places, which is appropriate for most practical applications unless otherwise specified.
This process highlights the importance of knowing and applying correct conversion factors and of handling significant figures and rounding appropriately. Scientific calculations often require such conversions, especially when moving between customary and metric units. By mastering these techniques, accurate and reliable results can be obtained in various scientific, engineering, and health-related applications.
