A newborn baby weighs 2.7 kg. Find her weight in pounds.
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert the weight of the newborn baby from kilograms to pounds, you use the following conversion factor:
1 kilogram (kg) = 2.20462 pounds (lbs)
Given that the baby’s weight is 2.7 kg, the calculation for converting kilograms to pounds is: Weight in pounds=2.7 kg×2.20462 lbs/kg\text{Weight in pounds} = 2.7 \, \text{kg} \times 2.20462 \, \text{lbs/kg} Weight in pounds=5.9545 lbs\text{Weight in pounds} = 5.9545 \, \text{lbs}
Therefore, the baby weighs approximately 5.95 pounds.
To explain the process:
The kilogram is the standard unit of mass in the metric system, while the pound is the unit used in the imperial system, commonly used in the United States. Conversion between the two units is necessary when working with different systems of measurement. The conversion factor of 2.20462 is precise, but for everyday use, you can round it to 2.2 or 2.5, depending on the level of accuracy required.
In medical or everyday scenarios, a baby’s weight is often reported in pounds and ounces, especially in places like the United States, where the imperial system is commonly used. Knowing the weight in pounds can be helpful for medical professionals when tracking growth and development, as standard charts for weight gain in infants often use pounds. Similarly, it provides a way to compare the newborn’s weight to average birth weights, which can vary by region, gestational age, and other factors.
Thus, the conversion from 2.7 kg to pounds results in a value of approximately 5.95 lbs.