What conversion formula is used to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
-
A
C=(5/9)F+32
-
B
F=(5/9)C+32
-
C
C=5/9(F−32)
-
D
C=9/5(F+32)
The formula to convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius is C = (5/9)(F - 32).
The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales have different zero points and degree intervals. The conversion formula is derived from their linear relationship. The steps are: first, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature to account for the offset in their zero points; second, multiply by 5/9 to adjust for the difference in the size of a degree (a Fahrenheit degree is 5/9 the size of a Celsius degree, so the inverse fraction is used when converting from F to C).
A) C=(5/9)F+32
This formula incorrectly adds 32 after multiplying by 5/9. This would produce incorrect conversions. For instance, using the freezing point of water (32°F) in this formula would yield (5/9)*32 + 32 ≈ 17.8 + 32 = 49.8°C, which is not the correct 0°C.
B) F=(5/9)C+32
This is a common misremembered formula. It uses the fraction 5/9, which is the factor for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius. The correct fraction for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is 9/5. The correct formula for that conversion is F = (9/5)C + 32.
C) C=5/9(F−32)
This is the correct formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius. It accurately reflects the two adjustments needed: subtracting the 32°F offset and then scaling by the ratio of the degree sizes (5/9).
D) C=9/5(F+32)
This formula incorrectly adds 32 and uses the wrong fraction (9/5 is for C to F conversion). This would yield wildly inaccurate results. For example, 32°F would convert to (9/5)*(32+32) = (9/5)*64 = 115.2°C, which is far from the correct 0°C.
Conclusion:
The mathematical relationship between the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales is fixed. To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, one must first subtract the 32-degree offset and then multiply by the factor 5/9, which accounts for the smaller size of a Fahrenheit degree relative to a Celsius degree. The correct expression of this relationship is C = (5/9)(F - 32).
Topic Flashcards
Click to FlipWhat is the correct formula to convert a temperature from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C)?
C = (5/9)(F - 32). First subtract 32 from °F, then multiply by 5/9.
If you know a temperature in Celsius (°C), what formula do you use to find it in Fahrenheit (°F)?
F = (9/5)C + 32. First multiply °C by 9/5, then add 32.
Using the correct formula, convert 212 °F (the boiling point of water) to Celsius.
100 °C. Calculation: C = (5/9)(212 - 32) = (5/9)(180) = 100.
What is wrong with the formula F = (5/9)C + 32 for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit?
It uses the wrong fraction. It should be F = (9/5)C + 32. The fraction 5/9 is used when converting from Fahrenheit.
Rearrange the correct Fahrenheit-to-Celsius formula, C = (5/9)(F - 32), to solve for F instead.
F = (9/5)C + 32. Steps: Multiply both sides by 9/5 to get (9/5)C = F - 32, then add 32 to both sides.