Temperature Conversion Activity
The Fahrenheit temperature, “F,” and the Celsius temperature “C,” of an object are related
by a linear function. Water boils at 100°C, or 212°F, and water freezes at 0°C, or 32°F.
Show your reasoning/process as you work each problem.
1.
Think of the above facts as ordered pairs in the form (°C, °F). Write the two
ordered pairs suggested above.
2.
Plot the 2 points on the graph below, plus the one mentioned in the text box below. Then draw a line,
ray, or line segment (you decide what is appropriate for this situation) containing the 3 points. Clearly
label the axes, and use an appropriate scale on each axis.
FYI: There is a
coldest possible
temperature —
-273°C or -459°F
(both equivalent to
O K). There
doesn’t seem to be
a highest possible
temperature.
Show this fact in
your graph.
3.
If problem #2 is correct, you just graphed part of the linear function F = 1.8C + 32. Find each of the
following.
(a) Complete the table below using the formula. Show work with the formula on one problem below.
˚C
0
5
10
15
20
100
˚F
32
212
437
(b) Find the slope of the line in fraction form. _____
If the temperature changes 5 degrees on the Celsius scale, the temperature changes _____ °F.
(c) Find the x-intercept _____
(Round to the nearest integer.)
Give the related temperature fact: _____ °C = _____ °F
Show work to support this answer using the formula.
(d) the y-intercept _____
Give the related temperature fact: _____ °C = _____ °F
9
C  32 , show the step-by-step process for solving for C.
5
4.
Starting with F = 1.8C + 32 or F 
5.
Copper melts at a temperature of 1980°F. What is this temperature in degrees Celsius? Round to the
nearest degree. Show work with one of the formulas.
6.
If you had a fever thermometer calibrated in Celsius degrees, what would “normal” human body
temperature (98.6°F) be on it? Show work with one of the formulas.
7.
Fill in the blank:
-40°F = _____ °C
Show work with one of the formulas.
8.
If the weather forecaster says it will be 32°C today, is this hot, cold, or medium? __________ Explain.
9.
Use one of the temperature conversion formulas to show that -273°C = -459°F.
10.
The weather forecaster calls for an overnight low temperature of 10°C. What should you plan to do?
Write Yes or No in each blank.
_____ (a) In your home, turn your heater on.
_____ (b) In your home, turn your air conditioner on.
_____ (c) In your yard, protect your plants from frost.
_____ (d) On a camping trip, sleep with an extra blanket.
Show the conversion to degrees Fahrenheit for this scenario.
Do your best! Rise to the challenge! Live and learn!