70cm in Feet and Inches: A Beginner's Guide to Metric-Imperial Conversion
Understanding how to convert measurements between different systems can seem daunting, especially when you're dealing with unfamiliar units. This article will guide you through the process of converting 70 centimeters (cm) into feet and inches, breaking down the steps in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, perfect for beginners. We'll use everyday analogies to make the conversion process relatable and memorable.
Imagine you're building a bookshelf and your design calls for shelves that are 70cm long. However, your measuring tape only shows feet and inches. This is where understanding metric-imperial conversion becomes crucial.
Section 1: Understanding the Units
Before diving into the calculation, let's understand the units involved:
Centimeter (cm): This is a unit of length in the metric system. Think of a centimeter as roughly the width of your thumb. 100 centimeters equal one meter (think of a meter stick).
Inch (in): This is a unit of length in the imperial system (used primarily in the United States and a few other countries). One inch is approximately the length of the top segment of your thumb.
Foot (ft): Also part of the imperial system, a foot is equal to 12 inches. Imagine a standard ruler – that’s a foot long.
The key to converting between these systems lies in knowing the conversion factors.
Section 2: The Conversion Factor: Centimeters to Inches
The fundamental conversion factor we need is how many inches are in one centimeter. This is approximately 0.3937 inches. This means that 1 cm is equal to 0.3937 inches.
Think of it like this: you have a box of LEGO bricks. Each brick represents a centimeter. To build a structure equivalent to the length of the centimeter brick in the imperial system, you need 0.3937 of a standard inch-sized LEGO brick. It's not a whole brick, but a fractional part.
Section 3: Converting 70cm to Inches
Now we can apply this conversion factor to our 70cm. To convert 70 centimeters to inches, we multiply 70 by the conversion factor:
70 cm 0.3937 inches/cm ≈ 27.56 inches
Notice that the "cm" units cancel out, leaving us with only inches. We now know that 70 centimeters is approximately equal to 27.56 inches.
Section 4: Converting Inches to Feet and Inches
We have 27.56 inches, but it's more useful to express this in feet and inches. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, we can divide the total inches by 12 to find the number of feet:
27.56 inches / 12 inches/foot ≈ 2.297 feet
This means we have approximately 2 feet. To find the remaining inches, we subtract the whole number of feet (2) multiplied by 12 from the total inches:
Therefore, 70 centimeters is approximately 2 feet and 3.56 inches.
Section 5: Using an Online Converter (for convenience)
While understanding the process is valuable, many online converters can quickly perform this calculation for you. Simply search for "cm to feet and inches converter" and input 70cm. This can be a useful tool for checking your work or for quick conversions.
Section 6: Recap
To convert 70cm to feet and inches:
1. Convert cm to inches: Multiply 70 cm by 0.3937 inches/cm (approximately 27.56 inches).
2. Convert inches to feet: Divide the total inches by 12 (approximately 2 feet).
3. Find remaining inches: Subtract the whole number of feet (multiplied by 12) from the total inches (approximately 3.56 inches).
Therefore, 70cm is approximately 2 feet and 3.56 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the conversion exact? No, the conversion uses an approximation. The exact conversion factor is 0.3937007874 inches per centimeter, leading to slightly more precise results. For most practical purposes, the approximation used here is sufficient.
2. Can I use this method for other centimeter measurements? Yes, absolutely! Simply replace 70 with your desired centimeter measurement and follow the same steps.
3. Why are there two measurement systems? Historically, different systems evolved independently. The metric system is now internationally preferred for its simplicity and consistency, but the imperial system remains prevalent in some regions.
4. Are there other ways to convert cm to feet and inches? Yes, you could use a conversion calculator, or some scientific calculators have built-in conversion functions.
5. What if I need more precision? Use a more precise conversion factor (like the one mentioned in FAQ 1) and a calculator capable of handling more decimal places for a more accurate result. For most everyday purposes, the approximation provided is sufficient.
By understanding these steps and practicing a few conversions, you'll soon become comfortable moving between metric and imperial units of length. Remember to always double-check your calculations, especially when precision matters, like in construction or engineering projects.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
Formatted Text:
the logan house 10 ml i dl angiosperm gymnosperm 110 ohm resistor coefficient of thermal expansion units java runtime environment 18 0 dior makeup model richard dreyfuss wife define stable genius lost her marbles cut throat business tactics meso 2 3 butanediol flip two coins scrum roles events and artifacts space stations currently in orbit
