Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures

The one conversion that uses formulas instead of factors. ALEKS gives you both formulas; pick the right one for the direction.

01 Worked Example Video

Every step of Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures explained on video. Pause anywhere; the embed scrolls independently of the page.

YOUTUBE

02 What This Looks Like on ALEKS

ALEKS randomizes the numbers each attempt, but the question shape stays the same. Here are two example versions you might see.

Moscow temperature

Kala is visiting Moscow. The high on arrival day is forecast at −3.4 °C. What is this in °F?

Formulas:
C = (5/9) × (F − 32)
F = (9/5) × C + 32

Round to the nearest tenth. Type just the number.

answer =

Warm day — F to C

Convert 86°F to Celsius. Type just the number.

Formulas:
C = (5/9) × (F − 32)
F = (9/5) × C + 32

answer =

Heads up: Your ALEKS version will use different numbers. The numbers in the practice below are different too — that way you're exercising the move, not memorizing one answer.

03 The Rule

Going TO °F use F = (9/5) × C + 32

Going TO °C use C = (5/9) × (F − 32)

Two formulas, one for each direction. ALEKS gives you both — pick the one that solves for the unit you want. Then follow the order of operations: multiply before adding.

Common slips

(1) Wrong formula. Using the C formula when you need F gives nonsense. Read the prompt: “convert to °F” → use the F formula. (2) Order of operations. The 9/5 gets multiplied before the +32. If you add 32 first, you’ll be way off. (3) Forgot to round. ALEKS asks for the nearest tenth — 25.88 rounds to 25.9, not 25.88 or 26.

04 Practice — Step by Step

Practice this problem step by step

Convert 25°C to Fahrenheit.

Step 1

Pick the formula

You’re going C → F. Which formula do you use?

Step 2

Multiply first

Plug in C = 25. Compute (9/5) × 25 first (before adding 32).

Step 3

Add 32

Finish the formula: 45 + 32.

answer =

Q5 Topic overview

Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures

You walked the temperature formula end to end.