Overview:
A math formula is shorthand for expressing a relationship between quantities, numbers or variables. Common mathematical formulas make experimental data useful and meaningful.
What Is a Formula?
A mathematical formula is used to mirror a relationship between quantities. Some of those quantities are fixed (such as the speed of light in Einstein’s famous E = mc2) and others vary. For example, the units of mass can vary for objects that have different sizes, and the measurement of energy also varies with the units of mass. Sometimes the relationships are simple, and sometimes the relationships are very complex.
What Is the Difference Between a Formula and an Equation?
Typically, a formula contains at least two variables. For example, the distance (d) equals the rate of speed (r) multiplied by the time (t). The distance traveled can vary, the rate of speed is a variable and the time can also vary. An equation can contain more than one variable, or only one.
Why Use a Formula?
A relationship that takes many words to describe can be expressed with a compact formula. Suppose the relationship between the diameter of a circle d and its circumference C is such that the circumference equals the diameter multiplied by a constant pi that is roughly equal to 3.1416. The formula is the familiar C =πd. It can be used to compare the relationship between circles with different diameters.
How Do the Variables Relate to One Another?
When using a mathematical formula in calculations, it is important to decide what information is known, what steps need to be done, and what problem needs to be solved. Suppose the diameter of the circle is known. In order to find the circumference, the diameter would be multiplied by pi. However, suppose the circumference of the circle was known and the diameter was what needed to be solved. The circumference would be divided by pi.
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