Which is larger in each pair, and by approximately how much? (b) A mile or a kilometer

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the units involved. A mile and a kilometer are both units of length, with a mile being used primarily in the United States and a kilometer being part of the metric system.
2. Step 2: Recall the conversion factors. 1 mile is approximately equal to 1.60934 kilometers.
3. Step 3: Compare the two units using the conversion factor. Since 1 mile is equal to 1.60934 kilometers, a mile is larger than a kilometer.
4. Step 4: Calculate the difference in size. Subtract 1 kilometer from 1.60934 kilometers to find the difference in size between a mile and a kilometer.
5. Step 5: Express the difference. The difference is approximately 0.60934 kilometers, meaning a mile is larger than a kilometer by this amount.

Key Concepts

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a measurement from one unit to another. In this case, it involves converting miles to kilometers or vice versa. Understanding the conversion factors is essential for accurately comparing the two units of distance.

Metric vs. Imperial Systems

The metric system (kilometers) and the imperial system (miles) are two different systems of measurement. The metric system is based on powers of ten, making it more straightforward for calculations, while the imperial system uses various units that do not have a consistent relationship, which can complicate conversions.

Approximate Values

Approximate values are used to provide a quick comparison between different units. For instance, one mile is approximately equal to 1.609 kilometers. This approximation allows for a simple understanding of the relative sizes of the two units without needing precise calculations.