A graph of Fahrenheit temperature versus Celsius temperature is a straight line, whose intercept is _____. 

The correct answer is 32°F.

Key Points

• The relationship between Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C) temperatures is governed by the linear equation: F = (9/5)C + 32.
• The graph of Fahrenheit versus Celsius is a straight line because the relationship is linear.
• The y-intercept of the graph is the Fahrenheit temperature when Celsius is 0°C, which is 32°F.
• This intercept (32°F) comes from the constant term in the equation F = (9/5)C + 32.
• The slope of the line is 9/5, indicating how Fahrenheit changes relative to Celsius.

Additional Information

• Fahrenheit and Celsius Scales:
  • The Fahrenheit scale is primarily used in the United States, while the Celsius scale is used worldwide in scientific and most everyday contexts.
  • In the Fahrenheit scale, the freezing point of water is 32°F, and the boiling point is 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure.
  • In the Celsius scale, the freezing and boiling points of water are 0°C and 100°C, respectively.
• Conversion Formula:
  • To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: F = (9/5)C + 32.
  • To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: C = (5/9)(F - 32).
• Absolute Zero:
  • Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, where all molecular motion ceases.
  • It is 0 Kelvin (K), equivalent to -273.15°C or -459.67°F.
• Linear Relationship:
  • The graph of Fahrenheit versus Celsius is always a straight line because the conversion formula is linear.
  • The slope (9/5) reflects the proportionality between the two temperature scales.