What is 168cm in Feet and Inches? A Beginner's Guide to Unit Conversion
We live in a world of measurements. From buying fabric to planning a road trip, understanding different units is crucial. Often, we encounter measurements in different systems. For instance, many countries use the metric system (centimeters, meters, kilometers), while others predominantly use the imperial system (inches, feet, yards, miles). This article will guide you through converting 168 centimeters (cm) into feet and inches, a common conversion needed when comparing heights, for example. We'll break it down step-by-step, making it easy even for those new to unit conversion.
Section 1: Understanding the Units
Before we start converting, let's understand the units involved:
Centimeter (cm): This is a unit of length in the metric system. Imagine a centimeter as roughly the width of your adult pinky finger. 100 centimeters make up one meter (a meter is roughly the height of a kitchen counter).
Inch (in): This is a unit of length in the imperial system. An inch is approximately the length of the top segment of your thumb. There are 12 inches in one foot.
Foot (ft): This is another unit in the imperial system. A foot is about the length of a ruler, or the average length of an adult's foot.
Understanding these relative sizes helps visualize the conversion process.
Section 2: The Conversion Factors
To convert between centimeters and inches (and subsequently feet), we need conversion factors. These are numbers that tell us the relationship between the two units.
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters: This is a crucial conversion factor. It means that one inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters. Think of it like exchanging currency – you need a rate to swap dollars for euros, and similarly, you need this factor to swap inches for centimeters.
1 foot = 12 inches: This tells us how many inches are in a foot. This is a vital link to move from inches to feet once we’ve converted our centimeters to inches.
Section 3: Converting 168cm to Inches
Now, let’s convert 168 centimeters to inches. We'll use the first conversion factor:
1. Set up the equation: We want to find out how many inches are in 168 cm. We can set this up as a simple equation:
`x inches = 168 cm (1 inch / 2.54 cm)`
2. Solve the equation: Notice that we multiply 168 cm by the fraction (1 inch / 2.54 cm). This fraction is equal to 1, because 1 inch IS 2.54 cm. Multiplying by 1 doesn't change the value, but it changes the units. The 'cm' units cancel out, leaving us with inches:
`x inches = 168 / 2.54 inches`
`x inches ≈ 66.14 inches`
Therefore, 168 centimeters is approximately 66.14 inches.
Section 4: Converting Inches to Feet and Inches
We now have 66.14 inches. To express this in feet and inches, we use the second conversion factor (1 foot = 12 inches):
1. Find the number of feet: Divide the total inches by 12:
`66.14 inches / 12 inches/foot ≈ 5.51 feet`
This means there are approximately 5 full feet.
2. Find the remaining inches: To find the remaining inches, we subtract the full feet from the total inches:
Therefore, 66.14 inches is approximately 5 feet and 6.14 inches.
Section 5: Putting it all Together
Combining the results from the previous sections, we find that 168 centimeters is approximately 5 feet and 6.14 inches. This is a common height for adults.
Recap:
We successfully converted 168 centimeters to feet and inches by:
1. Understanding the units involved (centimeters, inches, feet).
2. Utilizing the conversion factors (1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 foot = 12 inches).
3. First converting centimeters to inches, then inches to feet and remaining inches.
This multi-step process allows for accurate conversion between the metric and imperial systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why do we use conversion factors? Conversion factors provide the numerical relationship between different units of measurement, allowing us to accurately translate values from one system to another. They are essential for consistent and accurate calculations.
2. Can I use a calculator for these conversions? Absolutely! Most calculators can handle these calculations. Simply enter the values and the correct conversion factors. Many online converters also exist for quicker conversions.
3. Are these conversions exact? The conversions we performed here are approximations because we are working with decimal places. The conversion factor (1 inch = 2.54 cm) is exact, but rounding off during the calculation introduces slight inaccuracy.
4. What if I want to convert other measurements? The same principles apply to converting other units of length, weight, or volume. You just need the appropriate conversion factors for those specific units.
5. What are some real-world applications of this conversion? Converting between centimeters and feet and inches is vital in many situations – buying clothes online (sizes are often listed in both systems), understanding medical information (height is often recorded in both systems), working with blueprints or construction plans (measurements might be in different units), and even planning furniture arrangement in a room.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
Formatted Text:
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