Which formula correctly converts Fahrenheit to Celsius?

Which formula correctly converts Fahrenheit to Celsius?

• A. C = (F - 32) × 5/9
• B. C = F - 32
• C. F = (C × 9/5) + 32
• D. F = (C × 5/9) + 32

Answer: (A)

When converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius, you first remove the 32-degree offset between freezing points, then you adjust for the difference in degree size by multiplying by 5/9. That gives C = (F − 32) × 5/9. It correctly accounts for both the offset and the smaller Celsius degree relative to Fahrenheit. For example, 68°F becomes (68 − 32) × 5/9 = 36 × 5/9 = 180/9 = 20°C, which matches the expected conversion. The other forms fail because one only subtracts 32 and ignores the scaling, which isn’t accurate. Another form gives Fahrenheit from Celsius, not Celsius from Fahrenheit. The remaining option uses the wrong multiplier (5/9 instead of 9/5) or applies it in the wrong way, leading to incorrect results.

When converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius, you first remove the 32-degree offset between freezing points, then you adjust for the difference in degree size by multiplying by 5/9. That gives C = (F − 32) × 5/9. It correctly accounts for both the offset and the smaller Celsius degree relative to Fahrenheit.

For example, 68°F becomes (68 − 32) × 5/9 = 36 × 5/9 = 180/9 = 20°C, which matches the expected conversion.

The other forms fail because one only subtracts 32 and ignores the scaling, which isn’t accurate. Another form gives Fahrenheit from Celsius, not Celsius from Fahrenheit. The remaining option uses the wrong multiplier (5/9 instead of 9/5) or applies it in the wrong way, leading to incorrect results.