What is the conversion formula to change degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Centigrade?

The conversion formula to change degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius (also known as Centigrade) is correctly represented by the formula (F - 32) x 5/9. This formula works by first subtracting 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, which adjusts the scale to account for the freezing point difference between the two temperature systems (the freezing point of water is 32°F and 0°C).

After adjusting for this offset, the result is multiplied by 5/9. This fraction is derived from the ratio of the temperature increments on the Celsius scale compared to the Fahrenheit scale. Since one degree Celsius is equivalent to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, the conversion factor is 5/9 (because 1 divided by 1.8 is approximately 0.555, which simplifies to 5/9).

This formula ensures the correct conversion between the two temperature scales, making it essential for tasks in pharmacy and other scientific fields.