A bike wheel is 26 inches in diameter. What is the bike wheel’s diameter in millimeters (1 inch = 25.4 millimeters)?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
To convert the bike wheel’s diameter from inches to millimeters, use the conversion factor:
1 inch = 25.4 millimeters
So:
26 inches × 25.4 mm/inch = 660.4 millimeters
✅ The diameter of the bike wheel is 660.4 millimeters.
Explanation (300 words):
Understanding unit conversions is essential for working with measurements, especially in fields like engineering, cycling, and international manufacturing where different systems of measurement are used. In this case, the diameter of a bike wheel is given in inches, which is part of the Imperial system commonly used in the United States. However, most of the world, especially in scientific and technical settings, uses the metric system, where measurements are in millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), or meters (m).
The key to converting from inches to millimeters lies in the conversion factor:
1 inch = 25.4 millimeters.
To convert 26 inches to millimeters, multiply the number of inches by 25.4: 26×25.4=660.4 millimeters26 \times 25.4 = 660.4 \text{ millimeters}
This means that a 26-inch bike wheel has a diameter of 660.4 mm. This value is especially useful for comparing or replacing bicycle parts, such as tires or rims, since many international brands list specifications in millimeters.
Moreover, understanding this conversion helps ensure compatibility and accurate communication across countries and industries. For example, if you’re purchasing a replacement tire online from a country that uses the metric system, knowing that 26 inches equals 660.4 mm ensures you get the right fit.
In summary, the bike wheel’s 26-inch diameter translates to 660.4 millimeters using the universal conversion rate of 25.4 mm per inch. This straightforward multiplication process is a fundamental skill for working with measurements across different systems.