How do you convert 2 inches to cm? A. 2.5 B. 4.8 C. 5.08 D. 5.58
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert inches to centimeters, you use the conversion factor:
1 inch = 2.54 cm
So, to convert 2 inches to centimeters, you simply multiply: 2 inches×2.54 cm/inch=5.08 cm2 \text{ inches} \times 2.54 \text{ cm/inch} = 5.08 \text{ cm}2 inches×2.54 cm/inch=5.08 cm
Therefore, the correct answer is C. 5.08 cm.
Explanation:
The conversion factor of 1 inch = 2.54 cm comes from the fact that the metric system is used worldwide for scientific measurements, while inches are commonly used in some countries like the United States for length. The relationship between inches and centimeters is fixed and derived from international standards.
For example:
- If you wanted to convert 3 inches to centimeters, you would multiply: 3×2.54=7.62 cm3 \times 2.54 = 7.62 \text{ cm}3×2.54=7.62 cm
- Similarly, converting 5 inches to centimeters would give: 5×2.54=12.7 cm5 \times 2.54 = 12.7 \text{ cm}5×2.54=12.7 cm
It’s a simple linear relationship, so no matter the number of inches you start with, you just multiply it by 2.54 to get the equivalent length in centimeters.
This conversion is especially important in fields like science, engineering, and international trade, where measurements need to be standardized and precise.
The other options:
- A. 2.5 cm is incorrect because 2 inches is slightly more than 2.5 cm.
- B. 4.8 cm is also too low compared to the actual value of 5.08 cm.
- D. 5.5 cm is just slightly off, but it’s still too large.
Hence, C. 5.08 cm is the correct conversion.
