Conquer the Conversion: 173cm in Feet and Inches – A Step-by-Step Guide
The challenge: You're applying for a job that requires you to specify your height. The application form requests height in feet and inches, but your measurement is in centimeters – 173cm to be exact. How do you accurately convert this measurement to the required format? This isn't just a matter of plugging numbers into a calculator; understanding the conversion process ensures accuracy and builds your confidence in handling similar metric-imperial conversions. This article will guide you through multiple methods, making the conversion clear and accessible.
Understanding the Conversion Factors
Before diving into the calculations, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental conversion factors:
These are the cornerstones of our conversion. We'll use these factors to bridge the gap between the metric system (centimeters) and the imperial system (feet and inches).
Method 1: Converting Centimeters to Inches, then Inches to Feet and Inches
This method is a straightforward, two-step approach:
Step 1: Centimeters to Inches
We know that 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. To find the number of inches in 173cm, we simply divide the centimeter measurement by the conversion factor:
173 cm / 2.54 cm/in = 68.11 in (approximately)
Step 2: Inches to Feet and Inches
Now we need to convert these inches into feet and inches. Since 1 foot equals 12 inches, we divide the total inches by 12 to find the number of feet:
68.11 in / 12 in/ft = 5.67 ft (approximately)
This tells us we have 5 full feet. To find the remaining inches, we subtract the number of full feet (5 feet 12 inches/foot = 60 inches) from the total inches:
68.11 in – 60 in = 8.11 in
Therefore, 173cm is approximately 5 feet and 8.11 inches. For practical purposes, you'd likely round this to 5 feet and 8 inches.
Real-world example: Imagine you're buying a curtain rod online. The website only provides measurements in feet and inches, but you've measured your window in centimeters (173cm). Using this method, you can accurately determine if the rod will fit your window.
Method 2: Direct Conversion using a Single Formula
While the two-step method is clear and understandable, a single formula can streamline the process:
Height in feet = (Height in cm / 2.54) / 12
Height in inches (remaining) = ((Height in cm / 2.54) mod 12) 1
Let's apply this to our 173cm example:
Height in feet = (173 cm / 2.54 cm/in) / 12 in/ft ≈ 5.67 ft
Height in inches (remaining) = ((173 cm / 2.54 cm/in) mod 12) 1 ≈ 8.11 in
The "mod" operator (modulo) gives the remainder after division. This formula directly calculates the feet and remaining inches simultaneously. Again, this results in approximately 5 feet and 8 inches.
Real-world example: A tailor needs your height in feet and inches to make a custom suit. Using this direct conversion, you can quickly provide the necessary information.
Method 3: Using Online Conversion Tools
Numerous online conversion tools are readily available. Simply search "cm to feet and inches converter" on your preferred search engine. These tools often provide instant and accurate conversions, eliminating the need for manual calculations. However, understanding the underlying principles, as demonstrated in Methods 1 and 2, remains valuable for comprehending the conversion process.
Summary:
Converting 173cm to feet and inches involves understanding the fundamental conversion factors (1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 foot = 12 inches). Both the two-step method and the single formula method achieve accurate results. Online tools offer a convenient alternative, but understanding the manual methods builds valuable problem-solving skills. The final, practical conversion of 173cm is approximately 5 feet and 8 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are there different methods for conversion? Different methods cater to varying levels of mathematical comfort and the tools available. The two-step method is easier to grasp conceptually, while the single formula offers efficiency.
2. How important is rounding in these conversions? Rounding depends on the context. For clothing or tailoring, precise rounding might be crucial. For less precise applications, rounding to the nearest inch is usually sufficient.
3. Can I use this method to convert other metric measurements (like kilograms to pounds)? The principles remain the same. You'll need the appropriate conversion factor (e.g., 1 kg ≈ 2.205 lbs) and apply a similar stepwise or formula-based approach.
4. What if I have a measurement in feet and inches and need to convert it to centimeters? Reverse the process. Convert feet to inches (multiply by 12), add the remaining inches, and then multiply the total inches by 2.54 to get centimeters.
5. Are there any potential errors in these calculations? Slight discrepancies might arise due to rounding during the calculations. Using more significant figures in intermediate steps can minimize these errors. However, for most practical purposes, the level of accuracy obtained through these methods is sufficient.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
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