What is the equivalent of 1 mile in kilometers?

• A. 0.5 km
• B. 1.609 km
• C. 2 km
• D. 1 km

Answer: (B)

To understand why 1 mile is equivalent to approximately 1.609 kilometers, it helps to know the historical context and conversion factors between the two units of measurement. The mile and the kilometer are both used to measure distance, but they are part of different measurement systems. The mile is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries, while the kilometer is part of the metric system, widely used around the world.

The exact conversion factor between miles and kilometers is established through the definition of a mile as being equal to 1,609.34 meters. Since there are 1,000 meters in a kilometer, you can convert miles to kilometers using the conversion factor of 1 mile = 1.60934 kilometers, which is commonly rounded to 1.609 for simplicity in everyday calculations.

In practical terms, when someone asks for the equivalent of a mile in kilometers, the widely accepted approximation is roughly 1.609 km, which aligns with the choice provided. This conversion helps individuals understand distances in a metric context, especially when dealing with travel, geographic measurements, or fitness activities that might use kilometers.