To determine how many centimeters are in an average hand measuring 9.50 inches, we use the conversion factor from inches to centimeters. Here is the step-by-step solution:
1. Identify the conversion factor:
- 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters.
2. Determine the measurement in inches:
- The average hand size is given as 9.50 inches.
3. Convert the measurement to centimeters:
- Multiply the number of inches by the conversion factor to get the equivalent measurement in centimeters.
[tex]\[
\text{centimeters} = 9.50 \, \text{inches} \times 2.54 \, \text{cm/inch}
\][/tex]
4. Calculate the result:
- Performing the multiplication gives us the measurement in centimeters.
[tex]\[
9.50 \times 2.54 = 24.13 \, \text{cm}
\][/tex]
5. Round to the required significant figures:
- Since we need the answer to three significant figures, we check the calculated value, which is already 24.13, a number with four significant figures. As we need only three significant figures, the number 24.13 would be rounded to 24.1 (although the provided solution fits well).
Therefore, the measurement of 9.50 inches is equivalent to 24.1 centimeters when rounded to three significant figures.