Convert 100.4 degrees Fahreneheit to degrees Celsius.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To convert 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to degrees Celsius (°C), you can use the formula:
[
°C = \frac{(°F – 32) \times 5}{9}
]
Plugging in the value:
[
°C = \frac{(100.4 – 32) \times 5}{9}
]
Calculating step-by-step:
- Subtract 32 from 100.4:
[
100.4 – 32 = 68.4
] - Multiply by 5:
[
68.4 \times 5 = 342
] - Divide by 9:
[
\frac{342}{9} \approx 38.67
]
So, 100.4°F is approximately 38.67°C.
Explanation
The conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius is based on the different temperature scales used in various parts of the world. The Fahrenheit scale, primarily used in the United States, is based on a system where water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. In contrast, the Celsius scale, used in most other countries, defines freezing at 0°C and boiling at 100°C.
The formula used for the conversion accounts for the difference in the freezing and boiling points of water in both scales. By subtracting 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, we align it with the zero point of the Celsius scale. The multiplication by 5/9 serves to scale the temperature difference appropriately based on the size of the degree units in each scale.
Understanding these conversions is essential, especially in fields such as medicine and science, where precise temperature readings can be critical. For example, body temperature can be measured in both scales, and normal human body temperature is often cited as 37°C (98.6°F). When patients present with a fever, the ability to convert these values accurately ensures appropriate diagnosis and treatment.