Formulas in
Mathematics
Formulas are the building blocks of mathematics, providing concise and
powerful ways to represent relationships, calculate values, and solve
complex problems. They are essential tools for scientists, engineers, and
problem-solvers across a wide range of disciplines.
by Nelly Nguyễn
Why Formulas Are Important
1 Efficiency 2 Generalization
Formulas allow us to quickly Formulas can be applied to
and accurately perform a variety of situations,
calculations, saving time making them versatile and
and reducing errors. applicable across different
contexts.
3 Understanding
Formulas help us understand the underlying relationships and
patterns in mathematical and scientific phenomena.
Types of Formulas
Linear Formulas Quadratic Formulas Exponential Formulas
Represent a straight-line relationship Describe parabolic relationships, such Model exponential growth or decay,
between variables, such as the as the quadratic equation, ax^2 + bx + such as the formula for compound
equation for a line, y = mx + b. c = 0. interest, A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt).
Linear Formulas
1 Slope-Intercept Form
y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
2 Point-Slope Form
y - y1 = m(x - x1), where (x1, y1) is a known point on the
line.
3 Standard Form
Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are constants.
Quadratic Formulas
Standard Form Vertex Form
ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, a(x - h)^2 + k, where (h, k) is
and c are constants. the vertex of the parabola.
Factored Form
a(x - r1)(x - r2) = 0, where r1 and r2 are the roots of the equation.
Exponential Formulas
Exponential Growth Exponential Decay
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), where A is the final amount, P is the initial A = P(1 - r/n)^(nt), where A is the final amount, P is the initial
amount, r is the interest rate, n is the number of times interest amount, r is the decay rate, n is the number of times the
is compounded per time period, and t is the time. decay occurs per time period, and t is the time.
Trigonometric Formulas
Sine
1 sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
Cosine
2 cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse
Tangent
3 tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
Applying Formulas to
Problem-Solving
Formula Application Example
Linear Formula Calculating the rate Determining the
of change or the y- cost of a product
intercept of a line based on the
quantity purchased
Quadratic Formula Solving quadratic Calculating the
equations and maximum height of
analyzing the a projectile
shape of a parabola launched with a
certain initial
velocity
Exponential Modeling growth or Calculating the
Formula decay processes, future value of an
such as population investment with
changes or compound interest
radioactive decay
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
1 Formulas are Powerful 2 Understanding Formulas is 3 Formulas Facilitate
Tools Key Problem-Solving
Formulas provide concise and Mastering the different types of Applying formulas correctly can
efficient ways to represent formulas and their applications is help you tackle complex
relationships, perform essential for success in a wide problems and arrive at accurate
calculations, and solve problems range of fields. solutions.
in mathematics and science.
