Which temperature is hotter: 17 C or 58 F? Show the complete solution
Which temperature is hotter: 17 C or 58 F? Show the complete solution
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine which temperature is hotter between 17°C and 58°F, we need to convert one of the temperatures to the same unit. Let’s convert 58°F to Celsius.
Step 1: Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
Use the formula: °C=59×(°F−32)°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (°F – 32) °C=59×(58−32)=59×26=1309≈14.44°C°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (58 – 32) = \frac{5}{9} \times 26 = \frac{130}{9} \approx 14.44°C
So, 58°F ≈ 14.44°C
Now compare:
- 17°C
- 58°F ≈ 14.44°C
✅ Final Answer: 17°C is hotter than 58°F
Explanation
Understanding temperature requires consistent units, especially when comparing values given in different scales like Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). The Celsius scale is commonly used around the world and in science, whereas Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States. Because these two scales use different zero points and degrees of measurement, direct comparisons can be misleading without conversion.
To compare 17°C and 58°F accurately, we need to express both in the same unit. We chose to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius using the standard formula: °C=59×(°F−32)°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (°F – 32)
This formula subtracts 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature to align the zero point with Celsius, then scales the result to reflect the size of a Celsius degree, which is larger than a Fahrenheit degree.
Applying this to 58°F: °C=59×(58−32)=59×26≈14.44°C°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (58 – 32) = \frac{5}{9} \times 26 \approx 14.44°C
Now we have both temperatures in Celsius:
- 17°C
- 58°F ≈ 14.44°C
Clearly, 17°C is the higher temperature.
This type of conversion is common in science, travel, and weather discussions. Understanding how to convert and interpret temperature units helps avoid confusion and ensures accurate decision-making—for example, when dressing for the weather, planning travel, or working in scientific fields.
