HESI Math Practice Exam

To convert pounds to kilograms, the common conversion factor used is that 1 pound is approximately equal to 0.453592 kilograms. To find the equivalent weight in kilograms, you would multiply the number of pounds by this factor. Alternatively, if you want to convert pounds to kilograms using a more intuitive method, you can divide the number of pounds by approximately 2.2, which is a rounded approximation of the inverse of the conversion factor (1/2.2 = 0.453592).

In this case, taking 4 pounds and dividing by 2.2 gives you an estimate of how many kilograms that weight represents. The reason dividing by 2.2 is correct is that it effectively adjusts the larger weight unit (pounds) into the smaller weight unit (kilograms), aligning with the relationships between the two measurements.

The other methods such as multiplying by 2.2, adding a number, or subtracting do not accurately reflect the conversion process and would not yield the correct equivalent weight in kilograms.