Solving for Fahrenheit: Unlocking the Temperature Conversion Formula

Algebra 1 Grades High School 2:41 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to rearrange the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion formula to solve for Fahrenheit in terms of Celsius. This lesson reinforces algebraic manipulation skills and equation solving techniques.

Video Resource

Solving for F in terms of C | Linear equations | Algebra I | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 2:41
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Key Concepts

  • Algebraic manipulation
  • Inverse operations
  • Solving for a variable

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the steps required to isolate a specific variable in a multi-variable equation.
  • Students will be able to rearrange the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion formula to solve for Fahrenheit (F) in terms of Celsius (C).

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion formula: C = (5/9)(F - 32). Discuss why it might be useful to rearrange the formula to solve for Fahrenheit. Briefly discuss the importance of inverse operations in isolating variables.
  • Video Instruction (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Solving for F in terms of C | Linear equations | Algebra I | Khan Academy." Encourage students to follow along, taking notes on each step of the process. Pause the video at key points to clarify any confusing steps.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through a similar example problem on the board, guiding students through each step. For example, rearrange the formula A = (1/2)bh to solve for h (height).
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with practice problems where they rearrange formulas to solve for a specific variable. Example problems: 1) Solve for r: A = πr². 2) Solve for b: P = 2a + 2b
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
    Review the key steps involved in solving for a variable. Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Formula Rearrangement Game
    Use an online tool or create a worksheet where students must rearrange formulas to solve for different variables within a time limit. This can be done individually or in teams.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to perform the same operation on both sides of an equation?
  • What is the inverse operation of multiplying by a fraction? Why is this important to know?

Skills Developed

  • Algebraic manipulation
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the first step in solving for F in the equation C = (5/9)(F - 32)?

Correct Answer: Multiply both sides by 9/5

Question 2:

What is the inverse operation of multiplying by 5/9?

Correct Answer: Multiplying by 9/5

Question 3:

After multiplying both sides of C = (5/9)(F - 32) by 9/5, what equation do you have?

Correct Answer: 9/5C = F - 32

Question 4:

What is the last step in solving for F?

Correct Answer: Add 32 to both sides

Question 5:

What is the formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit?

Correct Answer: F = (9/5)C + 32

Question 6:

In the equation C = (5/9)(F - 32), which variable represents the Fahrenheit temperature?

Correct Answer: F

Question 7:

If you have the equation 9/5 * C = F - 32, what operation will isolate F?

Correct Answer: Addition

Question 8:

What value is being subtracted from F in the original formula C = (5/9)(F - 32)?

Correct Answer: 32

Question 9:

The process of solving for a variable involves using what type of operations?

Correct Answer: Inverse

Question 10:

What is another way to say 'solving for F in terms of C'?

Correct Answer: Isolating F

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

To solve for F, you must isolate ____ on one side of the equation.

Correct Answer: F

Question 2:

The number 5/9 is a ________ in the equation C = (5/9)(F - 32).

Correct Answer: coefficient

Question 3:

The inverse operation of subtraction is ________.

Correct Answer: addition

Question 4:

The final equation, solved for F, is F = (9/5)C + ____.

Correct Answer: 32

Question 5:

To get rid of 5/9, you need to multiply by its ________.

Correct Answer: reciprocal

Question 6:

The reciprocal of 5/9 is ________.

Correct Answer: 9/5

Question 7:

The variable C represents ________ temperature.

Correct Answer: Celsius

Question 8:

The first step in isolating F is to multiply both sides by ________.

Correct Answer: 9/5

Question 9:

When you multiply 5/9 by 9/5, the result is ________.

Correct Answer: 1

Question 10:

Adding the same value to both sides of the equation maintains ________.

Correct Answer: equality

Educational Standards

A1.A.3.1:Solve equations involving several variables for one variable in terms of the others. A1.A.1.1:Use knowledge of solving equations with rational values to represent, use and apply mathematical models (e.g., angle measures, geometric formulas, dimensional analysis, Pythagorean theorem, science, statistics) and interpret the solutions in the original context.

Teaching Materials

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