If 2.54 centimeters = 1 inch, what would be the length of a ribbon that is 52 centimeters long in inches? ( round to the nearest tenths)

You divide the total centimeters for the 2.54 centimeters so it will be 52\2.54 and you will get the answer then round the number to the nearest tenth

Nice question. A way to solve this is by using ratios.

Well, we know that 2.54 cm = 1 in

We want to find out how many inches are in 52 centimeters. Here's how we start...

We take our known similar information and make that a ratio. We want partial over whole always!

So... 2.54 cm ÷ 52 cm

For the inches... 1 inches ÷ x inches
The reason we use the "x" is because it is a variable (we don't know what that value is yet).

Mentioned before, we know 2.54 cm = 1 in.
So, we can assume the following...

2.54/52 = 1/x

All I did there was state, if 2.54 = 1 then 52 = x.

Now, we can solve for "x" by cross multiplying.

2.54 * x = 52 * 1

2.54 * x = 52

Solve for "x" by dividing

x = 52/2.54

x = 20.47 inches

If you have any questions then please leave a comment.