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Information and IdeasEasyMain idea about a scale's origins

Information and Ideas practice question

The Fahrenheit scale set 0 at the coldest temperature its inventor could produce with a mixture of ice and salt, and 96 at the heat of the human body. Later, more careful measurement put body temperature at 98.6, but by then the scale's odd numbers were fixed.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. The Fahrenheit scale's strange reference points come from how it was first defined.Correct
  2. B. The Fahrenheit scale is more accurate than other scales.
  3. C. Human body temperature is exactly 96 degrees.
  4. D. Ice and salt are no longer used to make cold mixtures.

Answer: A. The Fahrenheit scale's strange reference points come from how it was first defined.

The text explains where 0 and 96 came from and why the odd numbers stayed. Choice A states that.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The Fahrenheit scale is more accurate than other scales.
Accuracy compared with other scales isn't discussed.
C. Human body temperature is exactly 96 degrees.
The text says later measurement put body temperature at 98.6.
D. Ice and salt are no longer used to make cold mixtures.
Nothing is said about present-day use of ice and salt.

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