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Question

Difficulty: EasyInter-System Conversions

A shipment of medical supplies weighs 44 pounds44 \text{ pounds}. If 1 kilogram1 \text{ kilogram} is approximately equal to 2.2 pounds2.2 \text{ pounds}, what is the weight of the shipment in kilograms?

  1. A
    0.05
  2. B
    2
  3. 20Answer
  4. D
    96.8

Answer

20
To convert a weight from pounds to kilograms given that 1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds, you must divide the total pounds by 2.2. Setting up the equation: 44 / 2.2 yields exactly 20. Thus, the shipment weighs 20 kilograms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the given value and the unit conversion factor.
Given weight: 44 pounds. Conversion factor: 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds.
This establishes the mathematical relationship needed to convert the weight from the US customary system to the metric system.
2
Set up the appropriate calculation to convert pounds to kilograms.
Divide 44 by 2.2 (44 / 2.2).
Since 1 kilogram is heavier than 1 pound (it equals 2.2 pounds), there will be fewer kilograms than pounds. Therefore, division is the correct operation.
3
Perform the division.
44 / 2.2 = 20.
To divide by a decimal, shift the decimal point one place to the right for both numbers, making it 440 / 22, which exactly equals 20.

Key Concept

Converting between US customary and metric weight units using division.

Alternative Method

You can set up a formal proportion: 1 kg / 2.2 lbs = x kg / 44 lbs. Cross-multiply to get 2.2x = 44, then solve for x by dividing both sides by 2.2.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Inter-System Conversions

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