Using the formula to convert degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius, determine which of the following is equal to 99.8°F (round to the nearest tenth).
a. 37.7°C
b. 37.7°F
c. 37.6°C
d. 35.8°C
e. 36.7°C
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert from degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to degrees Celsius (°C), we use the following formula: °C=59×(°F−32)°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (°F – 32)
Step-by-Step Calculation:
Given the Fahrenheit temperature is 99.8°F, we need to apply the formula: °C=59×(99.8−32)°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (99.8 – 32)
First, subtract 32 from 99.8: 99.8−32=67.899.8 – 32 = 67.8
Now, multiply 67.8 by 5/9: °C=59×67.8=37.6667°C = \frac{5}{9} \times 67.8 = 37.6667
When we round this to the nearest tenth, we get: °C=37.7°C = 37.7
Conclusion:
The correct answer is a. 37.7°C.
Explanation of the Conversion Process:
The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are two different ways of measuring temperature. The Fahrenheit scale is based on the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point of water at 212°F. Meanwhile, the Celsius scale uses 0°C as the freezing point and 100°C as the boiling point of water under normal atmospheric pressure.
To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, you subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature to account for the offset between the two scales. The resulting number is then multiplied by the factor 59\frac{5}{9}, which reflects the difference in the size of the degree increments between the two scales. A Fahrenheit degree is larger than a Celsius degree, so this factor scales the value accordingly.
In our example, the conversion of 99.8°F to Celsius is a straightforward application of this formula, resulting in 37.7°C. This is a common temperature for a mild fever or warm body temperature, which makes sense given the context of the question.