5 Feet 8 Inches In Centimetres

5 Feet 8 Inches in Centimetres: A Comprehensive Guide

This article provides a detailed explanation of how to convert the height measurement of 5 feet 8 inches into centimetres. We will explore the conversion process step-by-step, highlighting the relevant conversion factors and providing examples to ensure a thorough understanding. Understanding height conversions is crucial in various contexts, from international travel and online shopping to healthcare and general understanding of metric and imperial systems.

Understanding Units of Measurement: Feet, Inches, and Centimetres

Before diving into the conversion, it's vital to understand the units involved. Feet and inches are part of the imperial system of measurement, primarily used in the United States and a few other countries. One foot is equivalent to 12 inches. Centimetres, on the other hand, belong to the metric system, the most widely used system globally. The metric system is based on powers of 10, making conversions relatively straightforward.

The Conversion Process: From Feet and Inches to Centimetres

Converting 5 feet 8 inches to centimetres requires a two-step process:

1. Converting feet to inches: First, we convert the feet measurement into inches. Since 1 foot equals 12 inches, 5 feet is equal to 5 feet 12 inches/foot = 60 inches.

2. Combining inches and converting to centimetres: Next, we add the remaining 8 inches to the 60 inches obtained in step 1. This gives us a total of 60 inches + 8 inches = 68 inches. Now, we need to convert inches to centimetres. One inch is approximately equal to 2.54 centimetres. Therefore, 68 inches is equal to 68 inches 2.54 cm/inch = 172.72 centimetres.

Therefore, 5 feet 8 inches is equal to approximately 172.72 centimetres.

Precision and Rounding in Conversions

The conversion above uses the commonly accepted approximation of 1 inch = 2.54 cm. This value is precise enough for most everyday purposes. However, it's important to note that this is an approximation. The exact conversion factor is slightly more complex, taking into account variations in the definition of the inch and the centimetre over time. For highly precise applications, such as engineering or scientific research, more accurate conversion factors might be required. For general use, however, rounding to two decimal places (as we did above) provides sufficient accuracy.

Real-World Applications of Height Conversions

Understanding how to convert heights from one system to another is essential in various scenarios. For example:

International Travel: If you're travelling internationally, you might need to provide your height in centimetres when filling out forms or booking flights.
Online Shopping: Many international online retailers use the metric system for sizing, requiring you to know your height in centimetres to order clothes or other items that are size-dependent.
Healthcare: In many countries, healthcare professionals use the metric system to record patient information, including height. Accurate conversion ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.
Sports and Fitness: Height is a relevant factor in many sports and fitness contexts. Understanding conversions allows for accurate comparison of data across different systems.

Alternative Calculation Methods

While the step-by-step method outlined above is the most straightforward, alternative methods exist. You can use online conversion tools that automate the process, simply entering the height in feet and inches to obtain the equivalent in centimetres. Some scientific calculators also have built-in conversion functions.

Summary

Converting 5 feet 8 inches to centimetres involves converting feet to inches, adding the remaining inches, and then multiplying by the conversion factor of 2.54 cm/inch. This results in a height of approximately 172.72 centimetres. Understanding this conversion is crucial for various applications, ranging from everyday tasks like online shopping to more specialized fields like healthcare and engineering. Accurate conversion ensures smooth communication and avoids potential errors in different contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the conversion factor of 2.54 cm/inch exact? No, it's an approximation commonly used for practical purposes. The exact conversion factor is slightly more complex and depends on the specific definitions of the inch and centimetre.

2. Can I convert other height measurements using the same method? Yes, this method can be applied to convert any height measured in feet and inches to centimetres. Simply follow the two-step process outlined in the article.

3. What if I only know my height in feet? If you only know your height in feet, convert the feet to inches (multiply by 12) and then convert the total inches to centimetres (multiply by 2.54).

4. Are there any online tools available for this conversion? Yes, numerous online converters are available. A simple web search for "feet and inches to centimetres converter" will provide many options.

5. Why is the metric system preferred internationally for height measurements? The metric system's decimal-based nature makes conversions simpler and more intuitive compared to the imperial system's use of feet and inches. Its widespread international adoption facilitates easier communication and data sharing.

5 Feet 8 Inches In Centimetres