Writing and using formulae
In a nutshell
A formula can be created by analysing a question given in context. Questions can be based on calculations of physical quantities or geometrical measures.
Note: Remember to test the formula to see if it works, by substituting in values.
Making a formula
To make a formula, read the information given, give the unknown quantity a letter name and use your knowledge of algebra to give the formula.
Example 1
Write a formula for the cost, c, of n boxes of chocolate at £2 each.
c=2n
If there are 3 boxes, n=3, so
c=2n=2×3=6
So the total cost is £6.
Example 2
Write a formula for the age of Fred, f, who is four years older than George, g.
You can write the formula is 2 different ways, Fred's age is four more than George's age, or George's age is four less than Fred's age.
f=g+4 or g=f−4
Example 3
A restaurant charges £C for delivering pizzas, through a delivery app. They charge a standard fee of £1.50 and an additional charge of 80p for each mile, m, travelled. Write a formula for C.
C=0.8m+1.5
Note: Remember to convert to the same units if necessary, in this case 80p has been converted to £0.8.
Example 4
A rectangle has length 4cm more than width. Write a formula for the area.
AA=width×length=x(x+4)
A=x2+4x