A temperature conversion model states that to convert a temperature from Celsius to an adjusted Fahrenheit scale, you multiply the...

1. TRANSLATE the problem information

• Given information:
  • Celsius temperature: 8 degrees
  • Conversion rule: "multiply the Celsius temperature by 1.5 and then add 35"
  • Need to find: adjusted Fahrenheit temperature
• What this tells us: We need to create a formula from the English description

2. TRANSLATE the conversion rule into math

• English: "multiply the Celsius temperature by 1.5 and then add 35"
• Math formula: Adjusted Fahrenheit = \(1.5 \times \mathrm{Celsius} + 35\)

3. Substitute the given value

• Replace "Celsius" with 8:
• Adjusted Fahrenheit = \(1.5 \times 8 + 35\)

4. SIMPLIFY using order of operations

• First multiply: \(1.5 \times 8 = 12\)
• Then add: \(12 + 35 = 47\)
• Adjusted Fahrenheit = 47 degrees

Answer: C) 47

Why Students Usually Falter on This Problem

Most Common Error Path:

Weak TRANSLATE skill: Students might misinterpret the conversion rule and only apply part of it.

Some students read "multiply by 1.5 and add 35" but forget to multiply, thinking they should just add 35 to the Celsius temperature: \(8 + 35 = 43\). This may lead them to select Choice B (43).

Second Most Common Error:

Poor SIMPLIFY execution: Students correctly set up the formula but stop after the first operation.

They calculate \(1.5 \times 8 = 12\) and then forget to add 35, thinking 12 is the final answer. This may lead them to select Choice A (12).

The Bottom Line:

This problem tests whether students can accurately translate word-based instructions into mathematical operations and then execute all steps completely. The key is following the conversion rule exactly as described and not skipping any steps.