Understanding formulas involving divison and multiplication

AI Thread Summary
Formulas involving division and multiplication, such as Ohm's Law (V = I•R) and the speed formula (Speed = distance / time), represent relationships between abstract concepts in mathematics. These equations serve as definitions, translating verbal descriptions into mathematical language, which requires practice to understand fully. Division and multiplication are tools used to express these relationships, allowing for the calculation of unknown variables when others are known. The discussion highlights the importance of familiarity with mathematical concepts to grasp their applications in real-world scenarios. Understanding these formulas is essential for effectively working with abstract concepts in mathematics.
Niaboc67
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I've never quite understood is how formula can involve division and multiplication while dealing with abstract concepts. Such as, ohm's law V = I•R where V=voltage applied I=current and R=resistance. How does that work exactly? how can you multiply two abstract concepts together to understand the equivalence to something else. Is this to assume we are evaluating for something, correct? if we know the certain number of volts and the current we can figure out the voltage? if this is correct can this be reversed in order to figure out the others alone, such as I and R?

Other formulas such as Speed = distance / time. Things like these have always confused me, maybe I just don't quite understand division but how can diving possible given you the outcome of speed?
Also anything dealing with infinities and pi in formulas I don't see how these are work together to form an understanding.

Please help
 
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Many times it is a definition. Like (speed = distance / time), that's just the definition of speed. Mathematics is just a language and that is the mathematical translation of "speed is distance per time" or "speed is how long it takes to go a distance" or "speed is how far you go in an amount of time"
Those are 3 verbal (english) ways of defining speed. Division is just part of the language used in the mathematical definition.

As with any language, you have to use it quite a bit before you can understand it fluently. You have to use it a lot to understand the subtle meanings involved, and you also have to use it a lot before you can think with it.
 
Niaboc67 said:
Other formulas such as Speed = distance / time. Things like these have always confused me,
How would you calculate speed instead?
 
Speed is a 'concept'. You can't avoid the Maths.
 
Niaboc67 said:
I've never quite understood is how formula can involve division and multiplication while dealing with abstract concepts.

What about ratios? How do you feel about them?

Your post implies that you accept addition and subtraction w.r.t. abstract concepts. Why?

If you wanted to calculate the area of a square or rectangle, how would you do it?
 
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