Let’s break down the conversion of 26 inches into centimeters.
The Conversion Factor:
The conversion factor between inches and centimeters is:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
This means that for every 1 inch, there are exactly 2.54 centimeters. This standard conversion factor is used worldwide for converting between these two units of length.
Step-by-step Conversion Process:
- Identify the number of inches: We are converting 26 inches into centimeters.
- Use the conversion factor: To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54 (because 1 inch = 2.54 cm).
26 inches × 2.54 cm
- Perform the multiplication:
26 × 2.54 = 66.04 cm
Final Answer:
26 inches = 66.04 centimeters
Why the Conversion Factor is 2.54:
The 2.54 cm per inch conversion factor is an international standard. It is based on historical agreements and is consistent across all types of measurements. This specific value was internationally recognized in the 1950s when the metric system and imperial system were standardized.
Visualizing the Conversion:
You can imagine each inch as a small segment of about 2.5 centimeters long. So, 26 inches is about 26 times that length (each inch being 2.54 cm), resulting in 66.04 cm.