Linear Proportionality

The definition of temperature scales is related to the linear expansion of certain liquids, such as mercury and alcohol. Originally, these scales were literally rulers for measuring length of fluid in the narrow marked or "graduated" tube as a proxy for temperature. The alcohol starts in a bulb, and then expands linearly into the tube, in response to increasing temperature of the bulb or whatever surrounds it.

In this exercise, we will explore the conversion between the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales as a demonstration of interpreting slope and intercept of a linear relationship within a physical context.

Complete the function temps_F = convert_scale(temps_C) as a linear model where "x" is temps_C and "y" is temps_F.
Compute the intercept zero_offset as the difference between the freezing points freeze_F and freeze_C.
Compute the slope as a unit_ratio, change in temps_F divided by change in temps_C.
Use the predefined plot_temperatures() to plot the resulting model.

Take Hint (-30 XP)

Exercise

Linear Proportionality

Instructions