(a) A child has a fever of 101 F. What is the temperature in C?

Key Concepts

Temperature Scales

Temperature can be measured in different scales, primarily Celsius (C) and Fahrenheit (F). The Fahrenheit scale is commonly used in the United States, while Celsius is used in most other countries. Understanding the relationship between these scales is essential for converting temperatures accurately.

Conversion Formula

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, the formula used is C = (F - 32) × 5/9. This formula allows for the accurate transformation of a temperature reading from one scale to another, which is crucial for interpreting temperature data in different contexts.

Significance of Temperature in Health

Body temperature is a vital sign that indicates health status. A fever, defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, often signals an underlying infection or illness. Understanding how to measure and interpret temperature is important in medical contexts, especially for children.