What is 97°F in °C?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert a temperature from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), you can use the formula:
[
°C = \frac{(°F – 32) \times 5}{9}
]
Applying this formula to convert 97°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature:
( 97°F – 32 = 65 ) - Multiply the result by 5:
( 65 \times 5 = 325 ) - Divide by 9:
( \frac{325}{9} \approx 36.11 )
So, 97°F is approximately 36.11°C.
Explanation of the Conversion Process
The conversion between Fahrenheit and Celsius is essential in various contexts, including meteorology, cooking, and medical fields. The Fahrenheit scale, created by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the early 18th century, sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F, creating a 180-degree range. Conversely, the Celsius scale, established by Anders Celsius in the mid-18th century, sets these points at 0°C and 100°C, creating a 100-degree range.
To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, the formula incorporates the need to first account for the offset created by the differing starting points (32°F = 0°C). Subtracting 32 adjusts the Fahrenheit measurement, bringing it in line with the Celsius scale’s freezing point. The multiplication by 5/9 accounts for the fact that each degree Celsius is equivalent to a larger interval of degrees Fahrenheit. This ratio (5/9) is derived from the two scales’ definitions: for every 180°F, there are 100°C, leading to the fraction when simplified.
Understanding how to convert temperatures accurately is crucial, especially in healthcare, where body temperatures can indicate fever or hypothermia. With 97°F translating to approximately 36.11°C, it’s recognized as a normal body temperature, demonstrating the practical application of temperature conversion in real-life scenarios.