Question

What is the temperature at which Fahrenheit and Celsius thermometer readings are equal?

Asked by: Hamid A. Khan

 Answer

The temperature at which Fahrenheit and Celsius thermometer readings are equal is: - 40 degrees.

Well if you look at the conversion formulas for Celsius to Fahrenheit, or that of Fahrenheit to Celsius, you can manipulate it mathematically to answer this question.

The conversion formula reads:

T(F) = T(C) x 9/5 + 32

this means that the temperature of Fahrenheit equals the temperature of Celsius multiplied by nine / fifths, plus 32 degrees.

If the temperatures are the same then the two 'T's' in the formula should represent the same temperature.

So,

t = t x 9/5 + 32

minus the nine fifths of t from each side to move it to the left of the equation. this leaves:

t - 9t/5 = 32 ------> this leaves: - 4t/5 = 32

so then you multiply each side by - 5/4 to solve for t, and you get t = - 40 degrees!

(by the way, 't' times,(x), nine/fifths equals 9t/5)

Answered by: Dominic Jones, D.B., High School Student

Search

Loading



Sponsors

USC University of Southern California Dornsife College Physics and Astronomy Department McMaster University Physics and Astronomy Department

Science Quote

'As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.'

Albert Einstein
(1879-1955)

Deal of the Day

Image of Earth In My Room. Click on this image for more info. Earth In My Room
Regular Price: $39.99
Today's Price: $17.00
Experience a view of Earth's city lights from space with this cool set! Buy it now! Deal ends at midnight!

Top Selling

Here are our physics & astronomy bestsellers:
Tin Can Robot 4M Kit
Deluxe 3D Mirascope
Windmill Generator 4M Kit
Periscope
Weather Station 4M Kit
Solar Radiometer
Potato Clock 4M Kit
Clean Water Science 4M Kit
Glowing Gel Experiment Kit
Magnetic Levitator - Classic