Question 1

What is a furlong?

Accepted Answer

A furlong is 1/8 mile = 220 yards = 660 feet (201.168 m). Originally the length of one furrow in a plowed field.

Question 2

Where are furlongs still used?

Accepted Answer

Horse racing uses furlongs. A typical race is 8 furlongs (1 mile). The Kentucky Derby is 10 furlongs (1.25 miles).

Question 3

Is this conversion factor exact?

Accepted Answer

Metric-to-metric conversions are exact (1 km = 1000 m). Imperial-to-metric factors like 1 inch = 2.54 cm are exact by international agreement.

Question 4

Why do some countries use different units?

Accepted Answer

Historical reasons - the metric system spread from France after 1795. The US, UK, and a few others retained older systems. Science uses metric worldwide.

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