To convert 5 feet 8 inches to centimeters, follow these steps:
1. Convert feet to inches: 5 feet x 12 inches/foot = 60 inches
2. Add the remaining inches: 60 inches + 8 inches = 68 inches
3. Multiply the total inches by 2.54 (since 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters): 68 inches x 2.54 cm/inch = 172.72 cm
Therefore, 5 feet 8 inches is equal to 172.72 centimeters.
Real-life example:
If a person’s height is 5 feet 8 inches, you can convert this to centimeters to get a more precise measurement. This can be useful when calculating clothing sizes, determining the height of a doorway, or for medical purposes.
FAQs:
1. Why do we need to convert units?
Converting units allows us to compare measurements in different systems and make calculations more accurately. It also helps in standardizing measurements for consistency.
2. Can I use an online converter instead of doing the calculations manually?
Yes, there are many online converters available that can quickly convert units for you. However, understanding the conversion process can be helpful in case you need to do it without internet access.
3. Is there a shortcut to convert feet and inches to centimeters?
One shortcut is to remember that 1 foot is equal to 30.48 centimeters and 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. So, you can multiply the total feet by 30.48 and add the total inches multiplied by 2.54 to get the result in centimeters.