Correct Answer:
C. 37°C
The correct answer is 37°C because converting 98.6 degrees from the Fahrenheit scale to the Celsius scale results in exactly 37 degrees.
- Step 1 (Conversion Formula): To translate temperatures from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), use the standard mathematical formula:
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. - Step 2 (The Calculation): Substituting 98.6 into the equation:
98.6 - 32 = 66.6. Next, multiply 66.6 by 5/9:66.6 × 5 = 333, and333 / 9 = 37. This proves that 98.6°F matches 37°C precisely. - Incorrect Options:
- 55°C is incorrect because this high of a temperature would be instantly fatal, far exceeding the boiling ranges of organic proteins.
- 42°C is incorrect because 42°C represents a state of extreme, life-threatening hyperpyrexia fever in medical science.
- None of these is incorrect because option 3 shows the exact mathematical match.