equation for converting fahrenheit to celsius

[smileykd]

Temperatures of 32 degrees F and 212 degrees F correspond to temperatures of 0 degrees C and 100 degrees C. Suppose the linear equation y=mx+b converts Farhenheit temps to Celsius temps. Find m and b. What is the Celsius equivalent of 98.6 degrees F?

Can anyone help me in setting this up?

 

[galactus]

This formula can be found most anywhere.

\(\displaystyle \L\\F=\frac{9}{5}C+32\)

 

[skeeter]

you were told 100C = 212F and 0C = 32F

you have two ordered pairs ... (212, 100) and (32, 0) where degrees F is the x-value and degrees C is the y-value

find the slope ... m = (100-0)/(212-32) = 100/180 = 5/9

now use the point-slope form for a linear equation ...

y - 0 = (5/9)(x - 32)

y = (5/9)x - (160/9)

replace y and x with what they really are ...

C = (5/9)F - (160/9)

fyi, the equation is normally written C = (5/9)(F - 32) to keep the fractions to a minimum.

now you can figure out normal body temperature in degrees C.