What is 101 Fahrenheit in Celsius?
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert 101 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), you use the formula: °C=59×(°F−32)°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (°F – 32)
Applying this: °C=59×(101−32)=59×69=38.33°C°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (101 – 32) = \frac{5}{9} \times 69 = 38.33°C
So, 101°F is approximately 38.33°C.
Explanation (300 words)
Temperature conversion between Fahrenheit and Celsius scales is a common calculation in science, medicine, and everyday life. Fahrenheit and Celsius are two different temperature scales used worldwide. Fahrenheit (°F) is mainly used in the United States and a few other countries, whereas Celsius (°C) is used by most other countries and in scientific contexts.
The Fahrenheit scale was created by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the early 18th century. On this scale, the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point is 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure. In contrast, the Celsius scale, devised by Anders Celsius, is based on the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C.
The conversion formula between these two scales accounts for both the difference in zero points and the size of each degree increment. The formula is: °C=59×(°F−32)°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (°F – 32)
This means you subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature to remove the offset, then multiply by 5/9 to adjust for the size difference between the Fahrenheit and Celsius degree increments.
When converting 101°F to Celsius, subtracting 32 gives 69. Multiplying 69 by 5/9 (which is about 0.5556) yields approximately 38.33°C.
Understanding this conversion is important because 101°F corresponds to a fever in humans, indicating a body temperature above normal. Normal human body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). A temperature of 38.33°C suggests a mild fever and could indicate infection or illness.
In summary, 101°F equals approximately 38.33°C, reflecting the warmer-than-normal body temperature in Celsius terms. This conversion helps in interpreting temperatures accurately when dealing with different measurement systems.