What is the Celsius equivalent of a temperature of 98.6 degrees F?

To convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius, you can use the formula:

[ C = \frac{5}{9} \times (F - 32) ]

Where ( C ) is the temperature in Celsius and ( F ) is the temperature in Fahrenheit.

Plugging in 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit into the formula:

1. Subtract 32 from 98.6: [ 98.6 - 32 = 66.6 ]

2. Multiply by ( \frac{5}{9} ): [ \frac{5}{9} \times 66.6 \approx 37.0 ]

Thus, the Celsius equivalent of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is approximately 37.0 degrees Celsius. This temperature is also commonly recognized as the average normal body temperature, reinforcing its significance in medical settings. This contextual relevance makes it essential for health professionals to understand and convert between these scales accurately.