Math Problem Statement

You notice that temperatures in Canada are reported in degrees Celsius. You know there is a linear relationship between degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius, but you forget the formula. From science class, you remember the freezing point of water is 0°C or 32°F, and its boiling point is 100°C or 212°F.

a. Write an equation that represents degrees Fahrenheit in terms of degrees Celsius. Let $x$ represent the temperature in degrees Celsius and let $y$ represent the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

Equation: c. Rewrite your equation in part (a) to represent degrees Celsius in terms of degrees Fahrenheit. Use simplest fraction form when necessary. Equation:

Solution

Part a: Equation representing degrees Fahrenheit in terms of degrees Celsius

We know that there is a linear relationship between degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius, and we are given two key points:

  • Freezing point: (0,32)(0, 32) where 0°C = 32°F
  • Boiling point: (100,212)(100, 212) where 100°C = 212°F

Using these points, we can find the slope mm of the line that represents the relationship between Fahrenheit yy and Celsius xx:

m=212321000=180100=1.8m = \frac{212 - 32}{100 - 0} = \frac{180}{100} = 1.8

Now, using the point-slope form of a line, yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1), we substitute m=1.8m = 1.8, and one of the points, say (0,32)(0, 32):

y32=1.8(x0)y - 32 = 1.8(x - 0)

Simplifying:

y=1.8x+32y = 1.8x + 32

Thus, the equation representing degrees Fahrenheit in terms of degrees Celsius is:

y=1.8x+32y = 1.8x + 32

Part c: Equation representing degrees Celsius in terms of degrees Fahrenheit

To solve for xx (degrees Celsius) in terms of yy (degrees Fahrenheit), we start with the equation:

y=1.8x+32y = 1.8x + 32

Now, solve for xx:

  1. Subtract 32 from both sides: y32=1.8xy - 32 = 1.8x

  2. Divide both sides by 1.8: x=y321.8x = \frac{y - 32}{1.8}

This can also be written in fraction form as:

x=59(y32)x = \frac{5}{9}(y - 32)

Thus, the equation representing degrees Celsius in terms of degrees Fahrenheit is:

x=59(y32)x = \frac{5}{9}(y - 32)


Let me know if you want more details or have any questions!

Related Questions:

  1. What is the temperature in Fahrenheit when the temperature in Celsius is 25°C?
  2. If the temperature is 77°F, what is the temperature in Celsius?
  3. How would you describe the relationship between Fahrenheit and Celsius in terms of proportionality?
  4. What is the significance of the slope 1.8 in the context of temperature conversion?
  5. How do the intercept values change if we shift the freezing point?

Tip: Always remember that the conversion formulas between Celsius and Fahrenheit are linear, meaning any increase or decrease in temperature will follow a consistent ratio.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Relationships
Algebra

Formulas

y = 1.8x + 32
x = (5/9)(y - 32)

Theorems

Point-Slope Form of a Line
Linear Equation Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10