Converting Temperatures Between Fahrenheit and Celsius Scales

Converting Temperatures Between Fahrenheit and Celsius

When dealing with temperatures, there are two main scales used to measure: Fahrenheit and Celsius. While the Fahrenheit scale is commonly used in countries like the United States, the Celsius scale is the standard in most other parts of the world. Converting between these two units is a basic skill that comes up often in daily life, science, and travel.

The Fahrenheit Scale

The Fahrenheit temperature scale was created by German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. On this scale, the freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and the boiling point is 212°F. The Fahrenheit scale uses the unit degrees Fahrenheit, represented by the symbol °F. Temperatures on this scale are often discussed in day-to-day life in the United States.

The Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale was created by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. On this scale, the freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius (°C) and the boiling point is 100°C. The unit of temperature is degrees Celsius, represented by the symbol °C. Most countries around the world use the Celsius scale for temperature measurement in science, weather reports, cooking, and medicine.

Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius

To convert a temperature from degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius, we use the following formula:

Temperature in °C = (Temperature in °F - 32) × 5/9

Let's break this formula down step-by-step:

1. Take the temperature in Fahrenheit.
2. Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature.
3. Multiply the result by 5/9 (or 0.556).
4. The result is the temperature in Celsius.

For example, to convert 97.2°F to Celsius:

1. Take the temperature in Fahrenheit: 97.2°F
2. Subtract 32: 97.2 - 32 = 65.2
3. Multiply the result by 5/9: 65.2 x (5/9) = 36.2222
4. The result is the temperature in Celsius: 36.2222°C

So 97.2°F converts to 36.2222°C when rounded to 4 decimal places. Let's look at some more examples of converting Fahrenheit temperatures to Celsius:

• 212°F - 32 = 180; 180 x (5/9) = 100°C
• 98.6°F - 32 = 66.6; 66.6 x (5/9) = 37°C
• 68°F - 32 = 36; 36 x (5/9) = 20°C

Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit

To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, we use the reverse formula:

Temperature in °F = Temperature in °C × 9/5 + 32

The steps are:

1. Take the temperature in Celsius.
2. Multiply it by 9/5 (or 1.8).
3. Add 32 to the result.
4. The result is the temperature in Fahrenheit.

For example, to convert 36.2222°C to Fahrenheit:

1. Take the temperature in Celsius: 36.2222°C
2. Multiply by 9/5: 36.2222 x (9/5) = 65.2
3. Add 32: 65.2 + 32 = 97.2
4. The result is the temperature in Fahrenheit: 97.2°F

Let's look at some more examples converting Celsius to Fahrenheit:

• 100°C x (9/5) = 180 + 32 = 212°F
• 37°C x (9/5) = 66.6 + 32 = 98.6°F
• 20°C x (9/5) = 36 + 32 = 68°F

Converting Temperatures in Practice

Being able to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit is very useful in real life situations. Here are some examples of when temperature conversion comes in handy:

• Cooking and baking: Many recipes from the U.S. will list temperatures in Fahrenheit, while recipes from other countries use Celsius. Convert the temperatures to follow the recipe properly.
• Weather reports: Knowing how to convert between °F and °C allows you to understand weather forecasts from other countries.
• Science experiments: Science is generally performed using the Celsius scale. Convert any Fahrenheit measurements to Celsius when recording experimental data.
• Health tracking: Human body temperature is often measured in °F, while thermometers in other regions display °C. Convert the reading to your preferred scale.
• Travel: When visiting another country, you can convert the local temperatures to better understand the climate.

Quick Reference Conversions

For quick reference, here are some common Fahrenheit and Celsius conversions:

• 80°F = 26.7°C
• 75°F = 23.9°C
• 70°F = 21.1°C
• 65°F = 18.3°C
• 60°F = 15.6°C
• 55°F = 12.8°C
• 50°F = 10°C
• 45°F = 7.2°C
• 40°F = 4.4°C
• 35°F = 1.7°C
• 30°F = -1.1°C
• 25°F = -3.9°C
• 20°F = -6.7°C
• 15°F = -9.4°C
• 10°F = -12.2°C
• 5°F = -15°C
• 0°F = -17.8°C

Key Takeaways on Temperature Conversion

Converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius is a handy skill needed for cooking, weather reporting, science experiments, health tracking, and international travel. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and multiply the result by 5/9. To go from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius temperature by 9/5 and add 32.

Quick reference guides can provide approximate conversions for common temperature values. When you need to be exact, calculate the conversion step-by-step using the proper formulas. With practice, temperature conversion between Fahrenheit and Celsius will become second nature!

FAQs

What is the freezing point of water on the Fahrenheit scale?

The freezing point of water on the Fahrenheit scale is 32°F.

What is the boiling point of water on the Celsius scale?

The boiling point of water on the Celsius scale is 100°C.

What is the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius?

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9

What is the formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit?

To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the formula: °F = °C × 9/5 + 32

What is 98.6°F in Celsius?

98.6°F converts to 37°C when rounded to the nearest degree.