Converting units of length can be a tricky task, but with a little bit of know-how, you can easily master the art of unit conversion. In this case, we will be converting the unit of inches (in) to centimeters (cm).
Step 1: Understanding the Relationship Between Inches and Centimeters
Before we begin the conversion process, it is important to understand the relationship between inches and centimeters. One inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. This means that if we multiply the value in inches by 2.54, we will get the equivalent value in centimeters.
Step 2: Write Down the Given Value
In this case, we are given the value of 3 inches. So, we will write down the given value as follows:
3 in
Step 3: Set up the Conversion Equation
Now, we will set up the conversion equation, using the relationship we learned in the first step:
3 in x 2.54 cm/in = ? cm
Step 4: Perform the Calculation
Next, we will perform the calculation by simply multiplying the given value (3 in) by the conversion factor (2.54 cm/in):
3 in x 2.54 cm/in = 7.62 cm
Step 5: Write Down the Final Answer
The final answer will be the equivalent value in centimeters, which is 7.62 cm.
Step 6: Double Check Your Answer
It is always good practice to double-check your answer to ensure accuracy. In this case, we can do a quick mental check by remembering that 2.54 cm is slightly larger than 2.5 cm. Since we multiplied 3 inches by a slightly larger value, we should expect to get an answer that is slightly larger than 3 times the conversion factor. 3 x 2.5 = 7.5, so our answer of 7.62 cm makes sense.
And there you have it! We have successfully converted 3 inches to centimeters. We can now confidently say that 3 inches is equivalent to 7.62 centimeters. Keep practicing and you will master unit conversion in no time.