What is the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius?

The formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius is given by C = (F - 32) x 5/9. This formula accurately represents the relationship between the two temperature scales.

To understand why this formula is correct, it’s important to recognize how temperature scales are defined. The Fahrenheit scale is based on a freezing point of 32°F for water and a boiling point of 212°F, which are both 180 degrees apart. In contrast, the Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C, which is a 100-degree separation.

When converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius, it is necessary to first subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature. This adjustment accounts for the offset that occurs due to the different starting points of the two scales. After that, multiplying by 5/9 translates the remaining difference into the Celsius scale based on the ratio of the two scales’ degree size; since there are 180 Fahrenheit degrees between the freezing and boiling points compared to 100 Celsius degrees, you need to multiply by 5/9 to make this conversion proportional.

Thus, when you utilize this formula, you achieve an accurate representation of temperature in Celsius based on a given temperature in Fahrenheit.