Question

A certain laptop computer weighs 6.35 kilograms. What is its weight in pounds?

Short answer

The laptop weighs approximately 14 pounds.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the conversion factor

Identify the conversion factor between kilograms and pounds. 1 kilogram equals approximately 2.20462 pounds.

Set up the conversion equation

Use the conversion factor to set up an equation to convert the weight in kilograms to pounds by multiplying the number of kilograms by the conversion factor.

Perform the conversion

Multiply the weight of the laptop, 6.35 kilograms, by the conversion factor, 2.20462 pounds per kilogram, to find the weight in pounds.

Key concepts

Kilograms to Pounds Conversion

Understanding how to convert kilograms to pounds is essential for situations where different units of measurement are used, like international travel, cooking, or science. Let's take the example of a laptop that weighs 6.35 kilograms and we want to convert its weight into pounds. The process is very straightforward.

To start with, you need to know the conversion factor between kilograms and pounds. The most commonly used and internationally accepted value is that 1 kilogram is equal to approximately 2.20462 pounds. Therefore, to convert any weight from kilograms to pounds, you would multiply the number of kilograms by this conversion factor. For the laptop, the calculation will be as follows:

Calculation for the Laptop's Weight:

\( 6.35 \text{ kg} \times 2.20462 \frac{\text{lbs}}{\text{kg}} = \text{weight in pounds} \).
When you multiply 6.35 by 2.20462, you get the weight of the laptop in pounds. It's practical to remember this conversion factor or have it readily available when you need to make such conversions.

Mathematical Conversion Factors

Conversion factors are keys to unlocking the world of unit conversion in mathematics. They are the bridge that allows you to change one unit of measurement to another. A conversion factor is essentially a multiplier that converts a quantity expressed in one set of units to an equivalent quantity in another set of units. This is done without changing the actual amount, only the way it is expressed.

They are derived from the relationship between different units of measurement. For instance, the conversion factor for converting inches to feet is 1 foot/12 inches, since 12 inches equals one foot. The beauty of conversion factors is that they work for any quantity – distance, weight, volume, etc. – as long as the correct factor is used. To use a conversion factor, you need to:

• Write out the measurement you want to convert.
• Select the appropriate conversion factor.
• Multiply the original measurement by the conversion factor.

Thus converting accurate and consistent units becomes a matter of multiplying by the right number.

Weight Conversion in Math

Weight conversion in math is an everyday life skill that finds its application in numerous fields, including personal use, science, and international business dealings. It involves using mathematical processes to change the unit of weight from one system of measurement to another. Commonly, conversions are performed between metric units (like kilograms, grams) and British imperial or US customary units (like pounds and ounces).

When converting weight, it is crucial to use precise conversion factors for accurate results. For example, if you're cooking and the recipe calls for ingredients in pounds, but you're more familiar with the metric system, you'll need to convert those weights to kilograms to measure them correctly. Not only does this require understanding the conversion factor, but also the ability to multiply the amounts accurately.

Estimation Techniques:

Sometimes, in real-life situations, you may not need an exact number but just an estimate. In these instances, you can round the conversion factor to a number that's easier to work with quickly. For example, instead of using the precise factor 2.20462, you could estimate it to 2.2 to simplify mental calculations or when exactness is not critical.