Temperature Reading

Reading a temperature

Temperature-reading exercises ask you to interpret the number shown on a thermometer or temperature scale and give the final value in its simplest form.

1) Identify the scale

Check whether the reading is in degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or another unit shown in the problem. Use only the unit displayed.

2) Read the value carefully

Look at the marked numbers and the smaller intervals between them. If the pointer or mark is between two labels, count the equal steps to determine the exact temperature.

3) Write the temperature clearly

State the value with its unit, for example 18°C or -4°F. If the exercise asks for a simplified final answer, keep it in the most direct form given by the reading.

4) Simplify and check

Make sure there are no extra steps, and that the sign is correct if the temperature is below zero. Check that your answer matches the position on the scale: higher on the thermometer means a warmer temperature, lower means a colder one.

Quick check

Ask yourself: does the answer match the tick marks and the direction of the scale? If not, reread the intervals before submitting.