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Formula - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Amber

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What is a formula?

In GCSE maths, a formula is a mathematical statement that describes a relationship between two or more quantities. It is written using a combination of mathematical symbols, numbers and variables.

Some formulas you will need to be familiar with in GCSE maths are:

  • The area of a triangle: A equals 1 half b h; a circle: A equals pi r squared; and a trapezium: A equals 1 half open parentheses a plus b close parentheses h

  • The volume of a cube: V equals x cubed; a cuboid: V equals l w h; a cylinder: V equals pi r squared h; and a sphere: V equals 4 over 3 pi r to the power of italic 3

  • The quadratic formula: x equals fraction numerator negative b plus-or-minus square root of b squared minus 4 a c end root over denominator 2 a end fraction; and the Pythagorean theorem: a squared plus b squared equals c squared

A formula on its own cannot be solved, however values can be substituted into a formula to create an equation, which can then be solved. For example, in the formula for the equation of a straight line: y equals m x plus c, if you substitute c equals 1 comma space m equals 2 and y equals 3 , you create the equation 2 x plus 1 equals 3 which can then be solved to find x equals 1.

In GCSE maths, you may be expected to rearrange formulas that you have never seen before. For example, the formula for energy: E equals P t, could be rearranged to make P the subject: P equals E over t, or to make t the subject: t equals E over P.

Formulas revision resources to ace your exams

You can find out more about formulas, and how they can be used, by reading our revision notes. To test your knowledge, try our exam questions in the algebra section, for example these questions on rearranging formulas.

For quick-fire GCSE maths revision, use our collection of interactive flashcards for GCSE maths. We also have past papers for your exam practice.

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Amber

Reviewer: Amber

Expertise: Maths Content Creator

Amber gained a first class degree in Mathematics & Meteorology from the University of Reading before training to become a teacher. She is passionate about teaching, having spent 8 years teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics both in the UK and internationally. Amber loves creating bright and informative resources to help students reach their potential.

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