When converting Centigrade to Fahrenheit, what is the conversion fraction used?

When converting temperatures from Centigrade (Celsius) to Fahrenheit, the correct conversion factor is 9/5. This factor comes from the formula used for the conversion, which is:

°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32

In this formula, the multiplication by 9/5 adjusts the Celsius temperature to the Fahrenheit scale, taking into account the differences in the size of the degrees on each scale. The additional +32 accounts for the offset between the two temperature scales, as the freezing point of water is 0°C and 32°F.

The fraction 9/5 specifically represents the ratio of temperature increments between the two scales, meaning that for every 1 degree Celsius increase, the temperature increases by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (which is the decimal equivalent of 9/5). Understanding this conversion is vital for accurately converting temperatures in various contexts, particularly in the field of funeral service where such conversions might be necessary for certain embalming processes or in compliance with specific regulations.