Practice question

How do you convert kilometers to miles effectively?

  1. Multiply kilometers by 6
  2. Multiply kilometers by 0.6
  3. Multiply kilometers by 10 and drop the last digit
  4. Divide kilometers by 1.6

Answer: A — Multiply kilometers by 6

The effective method to convert kilometers to miles involves dividing the number of kilometers by 1.6. This is based on the conversion factor where one mile is approximately equal to 1.6 kilometers. By dividing the kilometers by this factor, you will accurately arrive at the equivalent distance in miles. Multiplying kilometers by 0.6 can yield a rough estimate, as this factor is sometimes used when considering that a kilometer is slightly longer than a mile. However, it lacks the precision needed for accurate conversions. Multiplying by 6 or adjusting by dropping a digit (like multiplying by 10 and then dropping the last digit) would not produce a correct transformation, as these methods do not correspond correctly to the relationship between kilometers and miles. Hence, for accurate conversions, using division by 1.6 is the preferred approach.

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