A formula is like a rule. It allows for an answer to be calculated when other information is known. For example, the area of a rectangle can be calculated when the length and width is known. The formula is shown with letters, numbers and arithmetical operators (signs).
The formula for the area of a triangle is:
A = `frac(1)(2)`bh, where:
A is the area, b is the base and h is the height.
If the base is 15cm and the height is 26cm: replacing (or substituting) b with 15 and h with 26:
A = `frac(1)(2)`bh
A = `frac(1)(2)` x 15 x 26
A = 195 cm2
Check carefully the units involved: if measurements are different units (for example, if a length was in metres and a width was in centimetres), make them all the same.
Emma is fund-raising and will be completing a long walk. One of her friends is going to give her £2, and a further 30p for each kilometre that she completes.
Write a formula for the contribution, £C, that will be donated for each kilometre, k, that she completes.
There will be a fixed contribution of £2. On top of that, there is £0.30 for each kilometre, remembering to change the 30p to pounds.
Answer: C = 2 + 0.3k
Emma completes a walk of 12 kilometres. How much did her friend contribute, according to the formula, above?
C = 2 + 0.3k
C = 2 + 0.3 x 12
C = 5.6. Remember to show the amount with two pence digits.
Answer: £5.60