The average body temperature of a house cat is 101.5 °F. What is this temperature in Celsius? *
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert the average body temperature of a house cat from Fahrenheit to Celsius, we use the Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion formula: °C=(°F−32)×59°C = \frac{(°F – 32) \times 5}{9}
Given: °F=101.5°F = 101.5 °C=(101.5−32)×59=(69.5)×59=347.59≈38.6°C = \frac{(101.5 – 32) \times 5}{9} = \frac{(69.5) \times 5}{9} = \frac{347.5}{9} \approx 38.6
Correct Answer: 38.6 °C
Explanation (300 words):
Temperature is commonly measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) in the United States, while most of the world uses degrees Celsius (°C). Since scientific and medical fields often require Celsius for standardization, it is useful to know how to convert between these units.
The Fahrenheit to Celsius formula is: °C=(°F−32)×59°C = \frac{(°F – 32) \times 5}{9}
This formula first subtracts 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature. This accounts for the difference in the starting point of the two scales (32 °F is the freezing point of water, while it’s 0 °C in Celsius). Then, the result is multiplied by 5/9 to adjust for the difference in the size of one degree between the two scales.
In this case, the normal body temperature of a house cat is 101.5 °F. Subtracting 32 gives 69.5. Multiplying by 5 gives 347.5, and dividing by 9 yields approximately 38.6 °C. So, the average body temperature of a healthy cat in Celsius is about 38.6 °C, slightly higher than the human average of 37 °C.
This temperature range is important in veterinary care. A cat with a body temperature significantly below or above this value might be suffering from hypothermia or fever, respectively, and may require medical attention.
Being able to convert between temperature scales ensures accurate communication in science, health, and global collaboration.