A person has a height of 5 feet 4 inches. If this height is expressed only in inches, how many inches tall is the person?

Introduction / Context:
Conversion questions test the ability to move between different units of measurement. In many entrance and competitive exams, candidates are expected to convert between feet and inches quickly and accurately. Here we are given a mixed height in feet and inches and asked to express it entirely in inches, which is a direct application of the relation between feet and inches.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Height is 5 feet 4 inches.
• We use the standard relation 1 foot = 12 inches.
• We assume no rounding is required since all values are whole numbers.
• We need to express the entire height only in inches.

Concept / Approach:
To convert a mixed measurement like feet and inches into only inches, multiply the number of feet by 12 to obtain the inch equivalent, and then add the remaining inches. The formula used is total inches = feet * 12 + extra inches. This type of conversion appears frequently in questions about height, length, and in geometry problems that require a single unit for further calculations.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the height as 5 feet plus 4 inches. Step 2: Use the relation 1 foot = 12 inches. Step 3: Convert the feet part into inches: 5 * 12 = 60 inches. Step 4: Add the extra 4 inches to the 60 inches already calculated. Step 5: Total height in inches = 60 + 4 = 64 inches.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by considering nearby heights. A height of 5 feet exactly would be 5 * 12 = 60 inches. Adding 4 more inches must give a number a little above 60, so 64 inches makes sense. Also, none of the other answer choices match this logic when we check them in reverse by subtracting a multiple of 12 and seeing if the remainder is 4 inches. For example, 62 inches corresponds to 5 feet 2 inches, not 5 feet 4 inches.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
66: This would work out to 5 feet 6 inches if converted back, which is taller than the given height.
62: This corresponds to 5 feet 2 inches, not 5 feet 4 inches.
60: This is exactly 5 feet and misses the extra 4 inches stated in the question.
68: This is 5 feet 8 inches, again taller than the stated height.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to multiply incorrectly or to forget to add the extra inches after converting feet. Some learners also confuse the direction of conversion and divide when they should multiply. Always remember that a larger unit contains more smaller units, so we multiply feet by 12 to get inches. Writing a small side calculation, such as 5 * 12 = 60, helps prevent miscalculation under exam pressure.

Final Answer:
A height of 5 feet 4 inches is equal to 64 inches when expressed only in inches.