Step 1: Understand the Units of Measurement
Before we begin converting, it is important to understand the units of measurement we are working with. In this case, we are converting from centimeters (cm) to inches (in).
Step 2: Write Down the Given Value
In our problem, we are given a value of 12 centimeters (cm).
Step 3: Set Up the Conversion Factor
To convert from cm to in, we will need to use a conversion factor: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters. This means that for every 1 inch, there are 2.54 centimeters.
Step 4: Set Up the Conversion Equation
The conversion equation for this problem is:
Desired Unit (in) = Given Unit (cm) x Conversion Factor (in/cm)
Step 5: Plug in the Given Value
Now we will plug in our given value of 12 cm into the conversion equation:
in = 12 cm x (in/cm)
Step 6: Cancel out Units
Notice how the unit “cm” is written on both the top and bottom. This means they can cancel out, leaving us with only the desired unit “in”.
Step 7: Calculate the Conversion
To find our final answer, we simply multiply 12 by the conversion factor of 1 inch/2.54 centimeters:
in = 12 x (1 in/2.54 cm)
Step 8: Simplify the Conversion
To simplify, we divide 12 by 2.54 to get our final answer:
in = 4.72 in
Step 9: Write the Final Answer
Therefore, 12 cm is equivalent to 4.72 inches.
So, the final conversion of 12 cm to inches is 4.72 in.