Convert 179 pounds to kilograms. (Use either 1 lb = 0.454 kg or 1 kg = 2.205 lb) Round your answer to the nearest hundredth.
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert 179 pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg), we can use the conversion factor of 1 lb = 0.454 kg.
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Multiply the number of pounds (179) by the conversion factor (0.454 kg per lb): 179 lbs×0.454 kg/lb=81.1 kg179 \, \text{lbs} \times 0.454 \, \text{kg/lb} = 81.1 \, \text{kg}
Final Answer:
179 pounds is approximately 81.10 kg when rounded to the nearest hundredth.
Explanation:
When converting between units of weight, the key is to use the correct conversion factor. In this case, there are multiple options for converting pounds to kilograms. One common factor is 1 lb = 0.454 kg, while another is 1 kg = 2.205 lb. The first factor is typically used when converting from pounds to kilograms, and the second is more suitable when converting from kilograms to pounds.
Converting between different units is common in many fields, such as science, medicine, and everyday life, because weight measurements can vary between different countries. In the United States, weight is often measured in pounds, whereas most other countries use the metric system with kilograms. The process of converting ensures that measurements are compatible and easily understood regardless of the system in use.
By using the appropriate conversion factor, we can ensure accuracy in our calculations. For example, to convert 179 lbs to kg, we simply multiply by 0.454, which gives us a result that can be rounded to the desired precision—often two decimal places in most contexts.
If you had used the alternative conversion factor of 1 kg = 2.205 lb, you would first need to divide by 2.205 to get kilograms.