What is Formulas: Definition and 542 Discussions

In science, a formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula or a chemical formula. The informal use of the term formula in science refers to the general construct of a relationship between given quantities.
The plural of formula can be either formulas (from the most common English plural noun form) or, under the influence of scientific Latin, formulae (from the original Latin).In mathematics, a formula generally refers to an identity which equates one mathematical expression to another, with the most important ones being mathematical theorems. Syntactically, a formula(often referred to as a well-formed formula) is an entity which is constructed using the symbols and formation rules of a given logical language. For example, determining the volume of a sphere requires a significant amount of integral calculus or its geometrical analogue, the method of exhaustion. However, having done this once in terms of some parameter (the radius for example), mathematicians have produced a formula to describe the volume of a sphere in terms of its radius:




V
=


4
3


π

r

3




{\displaystyle V={\frac {4}{3}}\pi r^{3}}
.Having obtained this result, the volume of any sphere can be computed as long as its radius is known. Here, notice that the volume V and the radius r are expressed as single letters instead of words or phrases. This convention, while less important in a relatively simple formula, means that mathematicians can more quickly manipulate formulas which are larger and more complex. Mathematical formulas are often algebraic, analytical or in closed form.In modern chemistry, a chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the proportions of atoms that constitute a particular chemical compound, using a single line of chemical element symbols, numbers, and sometimes other symbols, such as parentheses, brackets, and plus (+) and minus (−) signs. For example, H2O is the chemical formula for water, specifying that each molecule consists of two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom. Similarly, O−3 denotes an ozone molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms and a net negative charge.
In a general context, formulas are a manifestation of mathematical model to real world phenomena, and as such can be used to provide solution (or approximated solution) to real world problems, with some being more general than others. For example, the formula

F = mais an expression of Newton's second law, and is applicable to a wide range of physical situations. Other formulas, such as the use of the equation of a sine curve to model the movement of the tides in a bay, may be created to solve a particular problem. In all cases, however, formulas form the basis for calculations.
Expressions are distinct from formulas in that they cannot contain an equals sign (=). Expressions can be liken to phrases the same way formulas can be liken to grammatical sentences.

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  1. C

    Deriving Trig Formulas: Solving Problem with Sin and Cos Identities

    hello. i need help deriving trig formulas. the first problem i most derive is 51. sin^2 x + cos^2 x = 1 i can use these identities: a. sin(-x) = -sinx b. cos(-x) = cos(x) c. cos(x+y) = cosxcosy - sinxsiny d. sin(x+y) = sinxcosy + cosxsiny thanks for any help
  2. A

    How to Rearrange the Formula d=Vft-1/2at^2 to Solve for a

    Homework Statement rearrange the formula d=Vft-1/2at^2 to solve for a Homework Equations d = Vft-1/2at^2 d+ 1/2at^2 = Vft 1/2at^2 = Vft-d 1/2a = Vft-d / t^2 then does a = 2 (Vft-d / t^2) The Attempt at a Solution
  3. Q

    What is the formula for Ammonium Sulfide?

    Homework Statement Write the formula for Ammonium Sulfide Homework Equations NH4^+ = ammonium S^2- = Sulfur The Attempt at a Solution NH4^+2S
  4. N

    Learning General Relativity Formulas: A Guide

    many people have sent me links to answer my questions. i have read them and i do understand them. i have the ability to picture how general relativity works. however when i see mathematical formulas on these sights u send me they really mean nothing. is there a link you can send me that i can...
  5. A

    Compression and Tension Formulas

    hey is there a formula for compression and tension? if so would you be able to let me know what they are? thanks! :)
  6. T

    LaTeX Write the permutation and combination formulas using latex

    How do you write the permutation and combination formulas using latex. This is the best I can do: n_P_r=\frac{n!}{(n-r)!}
  7. M

    Complex Variables integration formulas

    Homework Statement Let C. denote the circle |z-z.|= R, taken counter clockwise. use the parametric representation z= z. + Re^(io) (-pi </= o </= pi) for C. to derive the following integration formulas: integral C. (dz/(z-z.)) = 2ipi Homework Equations note: z. and C. represent z knot...
  8. Q

    Trigonometric formulas for tangent?

    using those formulas, how would you solve tan 11 pi ----- 8 and cot 195 also, how would you prove tan (x +y ) = tan x and tan ( pi/4 -x) = 1 - tan x --------- 1 + tan x thank you so much for any help
  9. S

    Probability proof - what formulas are needed here?

    If events A and B are in the same sample space: . Proove that if P(A I B') > P(A) then P(B I A) < P(B) (where B' is the Probability of A given not B) . Proove that if P(A I B) = P(A) then P(B I A) = P(B) do we assume independence here so that P(A I B) = [P(A)*P(B)]/ P(B) = P(A)...
  10. H

    What Are the Derivations and Uses of Beam Deflection Formulas?

    i have two different beam deflection formulas, one for rigid supports and one for simple supports - but i know there are many different ones out there. i was wondering if anyone could tell me how the formulas were created, oh and also what exactly does moment of inertia have to do with...
  11. E

    Having Hard Time using Greens Formulas

    Homework Statement Evaluate: \int\int \phi \nabla(\frac{1}{R}) - \frac{1}{R}\nabla\phi * \vec{n} dS a) over the surface of the ellipsoid 1/9\,{x}^{2}+1/16\,{y}^{2}+1/25\,{z}^{2}=1 > where \phi={x}^{2}+{y}^{2}-2\,{z}^{2}+4 Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  12. E

    Dynamic head, pressure drop formulas?

    My fluid dynamics is rather weak and i was wondering if someone could please tell me how to calculate dynamic head of the flow in the a tube and how to calculate pressure drop of a hole in a tube? Some formulas would be handy thanks engineering
  13. T

    Easy Aerodynamic Formulas for Aircraft Lifting and Air Displacement

    Hi, I'm working on some simple aerodynamics for a game. Are there any generic, but fairly accurate, formulas for calculating the lifting force (N) required for aircrafts that use aerofoils, and another for calculating the amount of air that needs to be displaced (m^3/s) for aircrafts that in one...
  14. 5

    Anyone good at formulas in Excel 2007?

    Okay, the formula that I am working from is: (RL+S) – sqrt [ RL^2 – (S*sin CA)^2 ] – S*cos CA Rod Length = RL = 5.090 Half Stroke = S = 1.5 Crank Angle = CA = 107.5 With numbers plugged in (my version?): (5.090+1.5) - sqrt [5.090^2 - (1.5*sin (107.5))^2] - 1.5*cos (107.5) The...
  15. R

    Do you remember the formulas for

    Just curious, often in math I am presented with formulas and I always study them the day before the test; however, two weeks later, I cannot recall one formula. Am I the only one that does this? If so, I better be off and start learning them(I plan to). For instance, formulas like the finite...
  16. clope023

    Work-Energy Theorem: Solving for Speed of a Model Car

    [SOLVED] Work-Energy Theorem I'm sorry that I do seem to require quite a bit of help, but sometimes when the formulas just aren't working for me I get desperate. Homework Statement A force is applied to a 2.5kg- radio-controlled model car parallel to the x-axis as it moves along a...
  17. R

    Calculating Airflow and Pressure in a Fan-Funnelled Tube: Is There a Formula?

    Is there any kind of formula that exists or I can put together that will allow me to determine airflow from a fan being funneled into a tube that decreases in size over the length of the tube? Something specifically that would allow me to determine the air pressure (psi ?) coming out the end of...
  18. R

    Maximum Speed Formula for Simple Harmonic Motion

    I have been torturing myself with this problem for a couple weeks now and I am stumped. The unit I am working on is called simple harmonics. The question is: Prove that the maximum speed (Vmax) of a mass on a spring is given by 2(pi)fA I am guessing that the question wants me to re-arrange one...
  19. S

    Setting up formulas, algebra how to? Help needed tonight, please

    Homework Statement A: 1 To play tennis at the local tennis club costs 150 kr/hour for non-members and 90 kr/hour for members. A membership costs 2100 kr a year. How many hous of tennis does one have to play to make it wothwhile to be a member? (kr is the swedish currency) 2 In a...
  20. S

    Finding Formulas for College ASME Project

    i'm working on a multi-year project with my college's chapter of ASME and we're having a little difficulties finding the formulas that we need i found the formula to determine the force in Newtons being exerted by a magnetic field in Newtons, but I am having a lil difficulty with the formula...
  21. M

    Exploring the Doppler Effect: Compression & Complex Formulas

    I have a few questions concerning the Doppler Effect, I know what it is in terms of a moving object, and how speed effects fequency etc. but I'm more interested in the explantions. My actual knowledge of the two explanations is reasonably vague. The one I am interested in is the compression...
  22. F

    Evaluating an Integral With Geometry Formulas

    Homework Statement I need to evaluate the definite integral of (x+2(1-x^2)^(1/2))dx from x=0 to x=1 using geometry formulas. Homework Equations None known. The Attempt at a Solution I'm actually trying to help one of my friends in AP Calculus with this problem. I know how to...
  23. N

    What are some helpful factoring formulas to use for polynomials?

    I don't really have a book to go by, and am going through examples online. I'm finding that there are certain helpful formulas. Does anyone know of a collection of formulas that I can use. For example, the difference of cubes: A^3 - B^3 = (A - B) (A^2 + AB + B^2) It would be handy to...
  24. J

    De Moivre's Theorum and Double-Angle Formulas

    I hope this is in the right place. I'm in grade 12, and I've been given an assignment involving complex numbers. The question reads: Use De Moivre's Theorum to verify the identities: cos(2\theta) = cos^2\theta - sin^2\theta sin(2\theta) = 2sin\theta cos\theta I've tried something like this...
  25. Q

    How to Prove tan(a - b) = tana - tanb without using a prefix?

    Homework Statement Prove that: tan (a - b) = tana - tanb 1 + tanatanb] Homework Equations cos (a- b) = cosacosb + sinasinb sin (a - b) = sinacosb - cosasinb The Attempt at a Solution I have plugged in the two...
  26. T

    What is the balanced equation and kcal/gram for propanol?

    Homework Statement I am trying to find a balanced equation for Propanol, and in addition - what is the Kcal/gram of Protonal Homework Equations I think I'm starting with CH3 CH2 CH2 OH (left side) and CO2 H20 (right side) The Attempt at a Solution CH3CH2CH2 OH to 6CO2 2H20...
  27. X

    How Do You Correctly Rearrange the Equation d=vt+at^2/2 to Solve for a?

    Ok this is a veryyyyyyyy simple question. d= vt + at^2/2 (motion equation) I want to find a (acceleration) 2d -vt/t^2 = a is this the right way?
  28. Holocene

    Math Formulas: Troubled by the Complexity?

    Does anyone else ever get troubled by that vast array of mathematical formulas one has to apparently memorize to be successful in mathematics?
  29. M

    Roark's formulas for stress and strain

    Hi all, i hope that i am in the right forum. As you see in my topic i have a problem with Roark's formula especially for elastic stability of plates and shells. The formula i got a problem with is the following: If you have the book: sixth edition: page 689 table 35 formula 15. or...
  30. I

    Trig adding/subtracting and double angle formulas help

    i am so lost in this area and have huge test coming up on tuesday and we don't have books for this unit either so i can't study or look at examples for that i was wondering if you guys could find me website(s) which shows how to solve equations like these: find exact values: sin 67.5...
  31. K

    Calculators Help entering formulas on calculator

    I have both a HP-50g and a TI-89T so let's not get into the debate of which is better... I am basically trying to find the most efficient way to enter a bunch of formulas that I use over and over into either calculator. I would prefer some type of app where I can enter the formulas on a...
  32. P

    Are there any basic formulas for motion in kinematics?

    I have no idea if this is the right forum but I am doing the kinematics chapter in 2204 and I was wondering if anyone had the bassic forumlas for motion.
  33. S

    Trig Identity problem (double angle formulas incl.)

    Homework Statement (1) (1+cosx)/(sinx)= cot (x/2) (2) 2 csc 2x= sec x csc x (3) cos^6 x- sin^6 x= cos 2x(1 - 1/4sin^2 2x) ( I think this has to do something with subtracting -3a^2b^2, since I need to get a-2ab+b to factor it..?) Homework Equations Addition and Subtraction...
  34. R

    Trig Identities and Double Angle Formulas

    [SOLVED] Trig Identities and Double Angle Formulas Homework Statement If tan(a) = 1/5 and tan(b) = 1/239, find tan(4a - b) Homework Equations tan2x = 2tanx/1-tan^2x tan(x-y) = tanx - tany/ 1 +tanx tany The Attempt at a Solution tan (4a - b) = (tan4a - tanb)/(1 + tan4a tanb)...
  35. R

    Finding sine and cosine formulas

    [SOLVED] Finding sine and cosine formulas Homework Statement If sinx/siny = 1/2 and cosx/cosy = 3 prove: sin (x + y) = 7/3 sinx cosx Homework Equations sin (x + y) = sinx cosy = cosx siny The Attempt at a Solution Can someone please give me a hint so that I can start? Thanks.
  36. P

    Formulas from question that BATE pH calculator gave me

    Hello, I am EXTREMELY glad I found this forum. I used a chemistry calculator that was posted by a poster here in a signature (BATE calculator from ChemBuddy) and it gave me an instant result to a problem I was trying to solve for a while, and that I should have been able to do on my own. I was...
  37. S

    What are the names of these formulas in EM

    # Hi # My instructor of EM course wrote two formulas on the blackboard and asked whether they are correct and what their names are. (He does not know the answers too) # These formulas give V and \vec{A}, given \vec{E} and \vec{B} V(\vec{r},t) = - \vec{r} \cdot \int_{0}^{1} d\lambda...
  38. P

    Calculating Weight and Velocity on a Circular Track: Formulas and Examples

    Homework Statement : #1. You are walking on a perfectly round asteroidwith a diameter of 40km and a mass of 10 to the 16th kg. your mass is 60kg. how much will you weigh, in Newtons? #2 a 100 kg porshe is moving at a steady speed around a cicular track waith a 1000 m radius. The porshe's...
  39. F

    Deriving Formulas for Vmin & Vmax on Glare Ice w/ Zero Friction

    Homework Statement A circular curve of radius R in a new highway is designed so that a car traveling at speed v can negotiate the turn safely on glare ice (zero friction). If a car travels too slowly, then it will slip toward the center of the circle. If it travels too fast, then it will...
  40. N

    Identifying Fluoride Molecules: Shapes & Formulas

    Homework Statement Give the formula of a fluoride molecule that: is octahedral in shape is trigonal bypyramidal in shape is T-shaped ...etc The Attempt at a Solution Ok, I'm not really actually looking for an answer, because I already know the answers are SF6, PF5, and ClF3. And I have...
  41. L

    How Do You Convert X-Ray Formula Parameters for Different Grid Ratios?

    Homework Statement Someone I am stuck and need help solving a questions in formulas for x-rays. Converting 300 ma, .016 14cam 94kvp and a 6:1 grid to 18cm and T.T Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  42. F

    Are these two integral formulas the same?

    In my book, we were give: int of tanx dx = - ln|cos x| + c and later I cam across: int of tanx dx = ln |sec x| + c --should I use these interchangeably or what?
  43. M

    Calculate Weight Lost by CuSO4 5H2O at 120°C for 12hrs

    Homework Statement How much weight would 5g of CuSO4 5H2O lose if ti were dried at 120 degrees C for 12 hours (i.e. if it were heated to drive off all the water of hydration)? The Attempt at a Solution CuSO4 = 159.61 g/mol H2O = 18 g/mol = 90 g for 5 mols 159.61/(159.61 + 90) =...
  44. A

    How are the formulas in QM derived?

    I'm not quite familiar in QM. All I can see are formulas, I'm familiar with diff.calc., integral, & diff.equations. Do most QM formulas use these methods in deriving their formulas? if not, what else?
  45. E

    Compounding Interest Formulas for Varying Annual Deposits and Interest Rates

    I think I found a simple formula if I was putting in the same amount of money each year, but what if I wanted to start with 1000$, add 10k$ for 10 years, and then watch it compound at X interest; how would i set that up? And if you know, can you put this formula into Excell.
  46. K

    Chemistry What are the empirical and molecular formulas of the compound

    "A compound contains only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Combustion of 10.68 mg of the compound yields 16.01 mg CO2 and 4.37 mg H2O. The molar mass of the compound is 176.1 g/mol. What are the empirical and molecular formulas of the compound." I saw an earlier post but it wasn't solved yet...
  47. M

    Formulas for torque and velocity in simple algebra

    Ok I am a high school freshman and haven't actually studied physics yet, but I'm trying to learn the formulas needed for a project I'm working on. ( I didn't know if this should go here or in the homework section, since it isn't really for a school assignment, but please move it if it belongs...
  48. S

    Formulas for acoustical dampening?

    Formulas for acoustical dampening? Hello, A number of years back I worked at an engineering company where we needed to isolate very large, very loud motors from transmitting sound energy into the supporting structure. We did this with a series of elastic isolators that supported the motors...
  49. malawi_glenn

    LaTeX Writing Chemistry Formulas in LaTeX

    Hi! How can i write chemistry formulas in LaTeX ? Such as: MgC_12 etc... It does not look good if it is done in math-environment...:rolleyes:
  50. C

    Naming and writing formulas of compounds

    Name the following :ZnI2, BrF, FeSO3, CaH2, BaHPO3,CuNO3, AgIO, SO2 write the correct formula of these: zinc sulphate, barium nitrate, gold(III)nitrate, barium chloride, mercurous nitrate, antimony(V)cloride, ferrous bromide, calcium carbonate and hydrobromic acid. i have attempted them...
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