How Tall is 137 cm? A Comprehensive Guide to Unit Conversion
Understanding units of measurement is crucial in various aspects of life, from everyday tasks like cooking and sewing to specialized fields like engineering and medicine. Inaccurate conversions can lead to significant errors, underscoring the importance of mastering this fundamental mathematical skill. This article focuses on converting 137 centimeters (cm) to other units of length, providing a step-by-step guide that illuminates the underlying mathematical concepts involved. We'll explore the process meticulously, employing clear explanations and examples to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
1. Understanding the Metric System:
The metric system, also known as the International System of Units (SI), is a decimal system based on powers of 10. This means that units are related by multiples of 10, making conversions relatively straightforward. The fundamental unit of length in the metric system is the meter (m). Other units, like centimeters (cm), millimeters (mm), kilometers (km), etc., are derived from the meter.
These relationships are the foundation of our conversion process.
2. Converting 137 cm to Meters (m):
To convert 137 cm to meters, we use the conversion factor: 1 m = 100 cm. This can be expressed as a fraction: (1 m / 100 cm) or (100 cm / 1 m). We choose the fraction that allows us to cancel out the unwanted units (cm) and leave us with meters (m).
Step 1: Set up the conversion:
We start with the given value: 137 cm. We multiply this by the conversion factor, ensuring that the units of cm cancel out:
137 cm (1 m / 100 cm)
Step 2: Cancel units and perform the calculation:
Notice that the 'cm' units appear in both the numerator and denominator, allowing them to cancel each other out:
137 (1 m / 100) = (137/100) m
Step 3: Simplify the result:
Performing the division:
(137/100) m = 1.37 m
Therefore, 137 cm is equal to 1.37 meters.
3. Converting 137 cm to Millimeters (mm):
Using a similar approach, we can convert 137 cm to millimeters. The conversion factor is: 1 cm = 10 mm.
Step 1: Set up the conversion:
137 cm (10 mm / 1 cm)
Step 2: Cancel units and perform the calculation:
The 'cm' units cancel out:
137 10 mm = 1370 mm
Therefore, 137 cm is equal to 1370 millimeters.
4. Converting 137 cm to Kilometers (km):
Converting to kilometers requires using two conversion factors: 1 m = 100 cm and 1 km = 1000 m.
Step 1: Convert cm to meters:
First, we convert 137 cm to meters as shown in section 2: 137 cm = 1.37 m
Step 2: Convert meters to kilometers:
Now, we convert 1.37 m to kilometers:
1.37 m (1 km / 1000 m)
Step 3: Cancel units and perform the calculation:
The 'm' units cancel out:
1.37 (1 km / 1000) = (1.37/1000) km = 0.00137 km
Therefore, 137 cm is equal to 0.00137 kilometers.
5. Converting to Imperial Units (Inches and Feet):
The metric system and the imperial system (inches, feet, yards, miles) are not directly related by simple multiples of 10. Therefore, we need a conversion factor that connects the two systems. A commonly used conversion is: 1 inch (in) ≈ 2.54 cm.
Converting 137 cm to inches:
Step 1: Set up the conversion:
137 cm (1 in / 2.54 cm)
Step 2: Cancel units and perform the calculation:
The 'cm' units cancel out:
137 / 2.54 in ≈ 53.94 in
Step 3: Convert inches to feet:
Since there are 12 inches in a foot, we convert 53.94 inches to feet:
53.94 in (1 ft / 12 in) ≈ 4.495 ft
Therefore, 137 cm is approximately equal to 53.94 inches or 4.495 feet. Note that due to rounding, these values may vary slightly depending on the precision used.
Summary:
This article demonstrated how to convert 137 cm to various units of length, both within the metric system (meters, millimeters, kilometers) and to the imperial system (inches, feet). The core principle throughout is the use of appropriate conversion factors, expressed as fractions, to cancel out unwanted units and arrive at the desired unit. Understanding this methodology allows for the conversion of any unit of length, or indeed any other measurable quantity, provided the necessary conversion factors are known.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why is it important to use conversion factors? Conversion factors ensure that the units are correctly handled during the calculation, preventing errors. Simply multiplying or dividing by a number without considering units can lead to inaccurate results.
2. What if I use the wrong conversion factor? Using the wrong conversion factor will result in an incorrect answer. Always double-check the relationship between the units you are converting.
3. Are the conversions always exact? Some conversions, especially between metric and imperial units, are approximate due to the inherent differences between the systems. Rounding may be necessary, leading to minor discrepancies.
4. Can I convert multiple units at once? Yes, you can chain multiple conversion factors together to convert from one unit to another, even if it requires several intermediate steps.
5. Are there online calculators for unit conversions? Yes, many online calculators are available that can perform unit conversions quickly and accurately. However, understanding the underlying mathematical principles remains crucial for problem-solving and error detection.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
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