Skip to main content
Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 63

In the metric system of weights and measures, temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C) instead of degrees Fahrenheit (°F). To convert between the two systems, we use the equations. C =5/9 (F-32) and F = 9/5C+32. In each exercise, convert to the other system. Round answers to the nearest tenth of a degree if necessary. 50°F

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given temperature and the conversion direction. Here, the temperature is 50°F, and we need to convert it to degrees Celsius (°C).
Recall the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: \(C = \frac{5}{9} (F - 32)\).
Substitute the given Fahrenheit value into the formula: \(C = \frac{5}{9} (50 - 32)\).
Simplify inside the parentheses first: calculate \(50 - 32\).
Multiply the result by \(\frac{5}{9}\) to find the temperature in Celsius, then round to the nearest tenth if necessary.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Linear Equations

Linear equations represent relationships where variables are raised only to the first power. In temperature conversion, the formulas C = (5/9)(F - 32) and F = (9/5)C + 32 are linear equations that relate Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures through a straight-line relationship.
Recommended video:
06:00
Categorizing Linear Equations

Temperature Conversion

Temperature conversion involves changing a temperature value from one scale to another using a specific formula. Here, converting 50°F to Celsius requires substituting into the equation C = (5/9)(F - 32) and calculating the result, which helps understand how different temperature scales relate.

Rounding and Precision

Rounding is the process of limiting the number of decimal places to make results easier to interpret. In this problem, answers must be rounded to the nearest tenth, ensuring the converted temperature is presented with appropriate precision for practical use.
Recommended video:
4:47
The Number e