To convert 12 inches to centimeters, we will use the conversion factor of 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.
Step 1: Write down the given value – in this case, it is 12 inches.
Step 2: Set up the conversion factor in the form of a fraction, with inches on the bottom and centimeters on top: 1 inch / 2.54 centimeters.
Step 3: To cancel out the inches, we can multiply the given value (12 inches) by the conversion factor, setting up a proportion: 12 inches x (1 inch / 2.54 centimeters).
Step 4: Simplify the fraction: 12 inches x (1 / 2.54).
Step 5: Multiply the numerators and denominators: 12 x 1 = 12 and 2.54 x 1 = 2.54. This gives us the result: 12 / 2.54.
Step 6: Simplify further: 12 / 2.54 = 4.72.
Step 7: The final step is to label the answer with the correct unit, which in this case is centimeters (cm). Thus, 12 inches is equal to 4.72 centimeters.
Therefore, to convert any value in inches to centimeters, just multiply the given value by 2.54. This process can be applied to any unit conversion involving inches to centimeters.