High School

Develop the formula that relates the number of degrees in Fahrenheit to the number of degrees in Celsius.

The freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Answer :

Final answer:

The formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit is F = (C × 9/5) + 32, and to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is C = (F - 32) × 5/9, where F is the temperature in Fahrenheit and C is the temperature in Celsius.

Explanation:

Developing the Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Formula

The relationship between the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales is based on their respective freezing and boiling points of water. On the Celsius scale, water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C. On the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. Noting that the span between freezing and boiling points is 100 degrees on the Celsius scale and 180 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale, we can establish that 100 Celsius degrees correspond to 180 Fahrenheit degrees. Hence, a temperature change of 1°C corresponds to a change of 1.8°F (180/100 = 9/5), meaning that one degree on the Celsius scale is 1.8 times larger than one degree on the Fahrenheit scale.

To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the formula: F = (C × 9/5) + 32, where 'F' represents degrees Fahrenheit and 'C' represents degrees Celsius. Conversely, to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: C = (F - 32) × 5/9.