A doctor measures a patient’s temperature at 38.4C. convert this temperature to degrees fahrenheit
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, the formula used is:
[
F = \left( \frac{9}{5} \times C \right) + 32
]
Where:
- (F) is the temperature in Fahrenheit.
- (C) is the temperature in Celsius.
In this case, the temperature given is 38.4°C. To convert this to Fahrenheit, we will plug this value into the formula:
[
F = \left( \frac{9}{5} \times 38.4 \right) + 32
]
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Multiply 38.4 by ( \frac{9}{5} ) (or 1.8):
[
38.4 \times 1.8 = 69.12
] - Add 32 to the result:
[
69.12 + 32 = 101.12
]
Thus, the temperature in Fahrenheit is 101.12°F.
Explanation:
Temperature scales, Celsius and Fahrenheit, are used worldwide to measure thermal energy. The Celsius scale, used by most countries, is based on the freezing and boiling points of water: 0°C is the freezing point, and 100°C is the boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure. The Fahrenheit scale, used mainly in the United States and some other countries, sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F.
The formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit comes from the relationship between these two scales, which are linear but have different starting points and scaling factors. The conversion factor ( \frac{9}{5} ) (or 1.8) adjusts for the difference in the size of the degree units between the two scales, while the addition of 32 shifts the origin point of the Celsius scale to align with the Fahrenheit scale’s zero point.
In practical settings, such as medicine, this conversion is crucial when interpreting temperature measurements. For example, a body temperature of 38.4°C suggests fever in most adults, which translates to approximately 101.12°F. Understanding both scales allows healthcare providers to communicate effectively and make accurate clinical assessments.