Temperature, Activity Measuring Temperature
Reading temperature scales is a measurement skill in Grade 4, Saxon Math Intermediate 4 Chapter 2. A scale is a type of number line used for measuring, and thermometers use Fahrenheit or Celsius scales. Students determine the value of each tick mark by dividing the interval between labeled numbers by the number of spaces. For example, if 4 small marks appear between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, each space equals 10 divided by 5 equals 2 degrees. The temperature is then calculated by adding the number of spaces traveled to the starting labeled value.
Key Concepts
New Concept A scale is a type of number line often used for measuring.
What’s next Next, you’ll apply this concept to read temperatures on both Fahrenheit and Celsius thermometers, including values below zero.
Common Questions
What is a scale in math?
A scale is a type of number line used for measuring. On a thermometer, the scale shows temperature values, often in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
How do I determine the value of each tick mark on a thermometer?
Count the number of spaces between two labeled values. Divide the difference between those labels by the number of spaces to find what each tick is worth.
A thermometer has marks at 70 and 80 with 4 small marks between them. What is each tick worth?
There are 5 spaces between 70 and 80 (created by 4 marks). Each space equals 10 divided by 5 equals 2 degrees.
What is a common mistake when reading a thermometer?
Assuming every small tick mark equals 1 degree. Always calculate the value of each tick by dividing the labeled interval by the number of spaces.
How do Fahrenheit and Celsius scales differ?
They use different starting points and scales. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Celsius, and boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Celsius.