Pete is 172 cm tall. What is his height in meters? A. 17, 200 m. B. 1720 m. C. 1.72 m. D. 17.2 m.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Pete’s height in centimeters needs to be converted to meters. The metric system follows a straightforward rule where 1 meter is equal to 100 centimeters. To perform the conversion, we divide the given height in centimeters by 100.
Pete’s height in meters is calculated as follows:
Height in meters = Height in centimeters ÷ 100 Height in meters = 172 ÷ 100 Height in meters = 1.72 m
The correct answer is option C: 1.72 m.
Explanation:
Unit conversions are fundamental in science and mathematics, allowing for standardized measurements across different applications. In this problem, converting centimeters to meters is a common task in the metric system, which is based on powers of ten. Since there are 100 centimeters in a meter, dividing by 100 ensures the correct conversion.
Examining the answer choices:
- Option A: 17,200 m is incorrect because multiplying instead of dividing by 100 leads to an unrealistic value. A height of 17,200 meters is far beyond the scale of any human measurement.
- Option B: 1720 m is incorrect for the same reason. This would imply Pete is over a kilometer tall, which is not logical.
- Option D: 17.2 m is incorrect because it suggests a height ten times greater than reality. Few animals, let alone humans, reach such dimensions.
Option C correctly reflects Pete’s height in meters. Understanding unit conversions is crucial for accuracy in calculations across disciplines such as physics, engineering, and chemistry, where precision is essential. This problem reinforces the importance of recognizing relationships between units and applying appropriate conversion factors.
