90cm to Feet and Inches: A Comprehensive Guide for Students
Converting units of measurement is a fundamental skill in mathematics and science. Understanding how to convert between metric (like centimeters) and imperial (like feet and inches) systems is particularly useful, as both systems are still widely used globally. This article provides a comprehensive guide to converting 90 centimeters (cm) to feet and inches, focusing on the underlying principles and methods to ensure a strong grasp of the conversion process.
1. Understanding the Units of Measurement:
Before diving into the conversion, let's define the units involved:
Centimeter (cm): A unit of length in the metric system. One centimeter is equal to one-hundredth of a meter (1 cm = 0.01 m).
Inch (in): A unit of length in the imperial system. There are 12 inches in one foot.
Foot (ft): A unit of length in the imperial system. One foot is equal to 12 inches.
The core challenge in converting between these systems lies in the lack of a simple, whole-number relationship. This necessitates a multi-step process.
2. Establishing the Conversion Factor:
The key to any unit conversion is the conversion factor. This factor represents the ratio between the two units you're converting between. The conversion factor between centimeters and inches is approximately:
1 inch ≈ 2.54 centimeters
This means that one inch is roughly equal to 2.54 centimeters. The "≈" symbol indicates an approximation, as the conversion factor is actually a more precise decimal value. For most practical purposes, 2.54 is sufficiently accurate.
3. Converting 90cm to Inches:
Now, we can use the conversion factor to convert 90 centimeters to inches. We set up a proportion:
To solve for 'x' (the number of inches), we cross-multiply:
```
90 cm 1 inch = 2.54 cm x inches
```
```
90 = 2.54x
```
Now, divide both sides by 2.54:
```
x = 90 / 2.54 ≈ 35.43 inches
```
Therefore, 90 centimeters is approximately equal to 35.43 inches.
4. Converting Inches to Feet and Inches:
Since we often express lengths in feet and inches, we need to convert the 35.43 inches further. We know that there are 12 inches in one foot. To find the number of feet, we divide the total inches by 12:
```
35.43 inches / 12 inches/foot ≈ 2.95 feet
```
This means there are approximately 2.95 feet in 35.43 inches. To express this as feet and inches, we can separate the whole number of feet from the fractional part:
Whole number of feet: 2 feet
Fractional part of a foot: 0.95 feet
Now we convert the fractional part back into inches:
```
0.95 feet 12 inches/foot ≈ 11.4 inches
```
Therefore, 90 centimeters is approximately equal to 2 feet and 11.4 inches. For practical purposes, this could be rounded to 2 feet and 11 inches.
5. Using a Calculator or Online Converter:
While the manual calculation is valuable for understanding the process, you can easily use a calculator or an online unit converter for quicker results. Many calculators have built-in unit conversion functions, and numerous websites offer free online converters. Simply input 90 cm, and the converter will provide the equivalent in feet and inches.
6. Understanding Significant Figures and Precision:
The accuracy of your conversion depends on the precision of the conversion factor and the number of significant figures you use in your calculations. Using 2.54 cm per inch gives a good approximation, but a more precise value may be necessary for highly accurate applications.
7. Applications of Unit Conversions:
Understanding unit conversions is crucial in various fields:
Engineering: Converting measurements for design and construction.
Science: Converting data between different units for analysis and reporting.
Everyday life: Converting measurements for cooking, sewing, or home improvement projects.
Summary:
Converting 90 centimeters to feet and inches requires understanding the conversion factor between centimeters and inches (approximately 2.54 cm/inch). By applying this factor and performing the necessary calculations, we find that 90 cm is approximately equal to 35.43 inches, or 2 feet and 11.4 inches (approximately 2 feet and 11 inches). This process involves a two-step conversion: centimeters to inches, and then inches to feet and inches. While manual calculation is instructive, calculators and online converters provide efficient solutions for practical applications.
FAQs:
1. Is the conversion factor 2.54 cm/inch exact? No, it's an approximation. The exact value is a slightly longer decimal.
2. Why do we round the final answer? Rounding is done for practical purposes. The level of precision needed depends on the application.
3. Can I use different conversion factors? While you could use a more precise conversion factor, 2.54 cm/inch is generally sufficient for most everyday calculations.
4. What if I need to convert from feet and inches back to centimeters? Reverse the process: convert feet to inches, add the remaining inches, and then multiply by 2.54 cm/inch.
5. Are there other units of length I should know how to convert? Yes, familiarizing yourself with other units like meters, yards, millimeters, and kilometers is beneficial for broader understanding.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
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