Converting units of length can be a useful skill to have, as it allows us to compare and measure distances in different systems of measurement. In this case, we will focus on converting centimeters (cm) to inches.
Step 1: Understand the relationship between centimeters and inches
Before we begin the conversion process, it is important to understand the relationship between these two units of length. One inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. This means that we can use this conversion factor to convert between the two units.
Step 2: Write down the given measurement
In this case, we are given the measurement of 20 cm. Write this down in your equation or conversion table.
Step 3: Set up the conversion equation
To convert from centimeters to inches, we will use the conversion factor of 1 inch = 2.54 cm. We can set this up as a proportion, where the known measurement (20 cm) is equal to the unknown measurement in inches (x). This can be written as 20 cm = x inches.
Step 4: Cross-multiply and solve for x
To solve for x, we will cross-multiply and divide. This means that we will multiply 20 cm by 1 inch and divide by 2.54 cm. This will give us the value of x in inches. The equation will look like this:
x inches = (20 cm × 1 inch) ÷ 2.54 cm
Step 5: Simplify and solve
Simplifying the equation, we get:
x inches = (20 × 1) ÷ 2.54 = 20 ÷ 2.54 = 7.87 inches
Step 6: Write the answer in correct units
We have now converted 20 cm into inches, and the answer is 7.87 inches. Make sure to include the appropriate unit in your final answer.
Step 7: Double-check and round if necessary
It is always a good idea to double-check your work to ensure that you have the correct conversion. In this case, we can quickly check by dividing 7.87 inches by 2.54 cm to see if we get our original measurement of 20 cm. Additionally, if you need to round your answer to a certain number of decimal places, make sure to do so according to the given instructions.
Congratulations! You have successfully converted 20 cm to inches. Remember to always keep the relationship between centimeters and inches in mind and follow these steps when converting units of length.