Expert: Paul Klarreich - 11/22/2008

Question
The relation between Celsius and Farenheit scale of temperatures is given by: C = (5/9)(F - 32) or F = (9/5)C+32. Calculate the temperature in Celcius if the temperature in Farenheit is 45F. Also calculate the temperature in Farenheit if the temperature in Celcius is 98C.

I'm not sure how to start this equation using division.

Answer
Questioner:   Karima
Category:  Advanced Math
Private:  No
 
Subject:  linear equation word problem
Question:  The relation between Celsius and Farenheit scale of temperatures is given by: C = (5/9)(F - 32) or F = (9/5)C+32. Calculate the temperature in Celcius if the temperature in Farenheit is 45F. Also calculate the temperature in Farenheit if the temperature in Celcius is 98C.

I'm not sure how to start this equation using division.
.................
Hi, Karima,

If you have  F = 45, use

C = (5/9)(F - 32)

and substitute; then do the arithmetic.

If you have  C = 98

use

F = (9/5)C+32

and substitute; then do the arithmetic.

I don't know what you mean by 'using division'.

Note: Problems like this should be sent to the Basic Algebra section.  Advanced math is for trigonometry and precalculus.