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. S

    Max Squares Fitting in a Circle: Proof & Formulas

    Hi, Given that the radius of a circle is X, and the side length of a square is Y, what is the maximum number of squares you can fill inside this circle, provided that the squares do not overlap? If you know of a general formula or something, can you please tell me the proof or give me a link...
  2. F

    Frenet-serret formulas, local reference frame

    Hello Forum, Using a fixed, Cartesian reference frame (i.e., we, observers, are stationary and located at the origin of the system), the trajectory of a particle would be easily described by the parametric (parameter time or arch length) equations [x(t), y(t), z(t)] or [x(s),y(s),z(s)]...
  3. W

    What do you use to type up formulas and such

    I much prefer putting all my work into a computer where I can see it and manipulate it rather easily post-facto. It is rather cumbersome to use word for this; is there any free program that allows copy-paste into word of fraction/intergration/limit/etc type stuff?
  4. N

    How do you write chemical formulas for ionic compounds?

    So its the beginning of chemistry and I don't know how to make formulas. BUT its very important I learn now otherwise I will have a very hard year... For ex: It says, "Fill in the correct formulas for the given anion and cation." SO2-4 and Al3+ (how do i combine those two to make a...
  5. G

    Ocean Waves: Linear & Schoenbergers Wave Formulas

    RE: Ocean Waves: 1. Linear Wave Formula - What is the average sea state that is capable of producing a 20 ft. wave? 2. Schoenbergers Wave Formula – What is the smallest average sea state that is capable of producing a 20 ft. wave?
  6. R

    Are Physics Formulas Always Approximations?

    Are more complex physics formulas, like those involving exponents, roots, logs, trig functions, etc., approximations to a certain degree? Are even simple formulas approximations? If so, what kinda precision: deci-, centi-, milli-, or better? Is there a regulated precision for new physics...
  7. D

    Acceleration Equations for Unknown Masses

    Homework Statement 13. Which expression represents an equality between accelerations? A) Gme/r = v/r b) Gme/r2= v/r C) Gme/r2= v2/r D) √Gme/r= v/r2 The Attempt at a Solution i have no idea how to figure...
  8. A

    Which formulas describe the magnetic field/field lines?

    hello! im not very familiar with electromagnetic fields and classical physics, so i turn to you for help, a problem: assume you have a magnetic dipole in center (0,0) of a xy plane, i want to plot the vector of the field at an arbitary point on this plane,and to plot the filedlines, how do i...
  9. S

    How accurate are Newton's formulas concerning Gravity, and other questions

    Binary System Fg = G M1M2 / r2 M1d1 = M1d2 I don't have non-binary gravity formulas, so if you know any post them here (or any other algebraic gravity formulas you may be aware of) I am interested in algebriac formulas that define gravity and energy, but I am a bit skeptical...
  10. J

    How Do You Solve These Physics Equations?

    Homework Statement a) Given: 2ad - Vf2 - Vl2 . Find Vl? b) Given: KE = 1/2 mv2 . Find V? c) Given: a= (Vf - Vl)/t Find Vl d) d= 1/2 gt 2 find t? e) ac= (mv2)r, find M? Homework Equations sorry, i do not know what are relevant eqs.The Attempt at a...
  11. L

    Combining Formulas for Accumulated Amount of Money

    Hi P*e^(rt) = Accumulated amount of money Principal e logaritm rate time is for continuous compounding of rate. F=A(((1+i)^n-1)/i) and this one works for savings that are made frequently like every month or so but only with annual compounding of rate. is there any way to...
  12. P

    General Formulas for Sequences

    Suppose I give you a sequence of numbers such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10... and ask you to find the next integer. You would probably tell me 12, because the sequence follows the rule 2n where n is the ordinal number. But if I told you the next number in the sequence is 42, your rule wouldn't work, and...
  13. N

    Proofs of max and min formulas for 2 numbers

    Homework Statement The maximum of 2 numbers x and y is denoted by max(x,y) and the minimum of 2 numbers x and y is denoted by min(x,y). Prove that max(x,y) = (x + y + l y - x l) / 2 and min(x,y) = (x + y - ly - xl ) / 2. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Theorem...
  14. S

    Hydraulic force formulas to linkages

    Hello my name is Scott , I was trying to post a question , but after joining the physics forum - I think this site is for posting questions not finding answers until after posting it , so here we go. Maybe someone can answer this , at work I have a bet ( lunch ) on principles of...
  15. D

    Rearranging Formulas for Orbital Velocity and Radius

    Homework Statement (i) Combine Equations A and B to give a single equation for v and substitute this in place of v in Equation C. (ii) Rearrange your answer to part (i) to make r the subject of the equation.Homework Equations Equation A z = Δλ/λ0 Equation B v = zc For a planet such as the...
  16. S

    How Can I Use Actual Data to Calculate the Barometric Formula Correctly?

    I am trying to work with Equation Two from the Wiki page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barometric_formula using the figures in the table provided on the page. The problem is that the table does not contain values for all the variables such as for P and values for h (and perhaps other...
  17. R

    -ene Nomenclature (semi-structural formulas)

    Hi, I was just confused as to the semi-structural formula nomenclature of -ene and -yne structures. The thing that I don't understand is the = sign in the formula. For example: CH3CH2CH=CH2 What does that equals sign mean? Does it represent where the double bond is located? If so...
  18. C

    Question regarding potential formulas

    I know that the electric potential for a continuous distributions of charge can be calculated using the following formula: Integral [ p(y) grad( 1/(|x-y)) d A_y ] Where grad represents the gradient of the vector function |x-y| and A_y is a area length element and p(y) represents the...
  19. I

    Who Discovered the Trig Sum Formulas?

    sin(a + b) = sin(a)cos(b) + cos(a)sin(b) sin(a - b) = sin(a)cos(b) - cos(a)sin(b) cos(a + b) = cos(a)cos(b) - sin(a)sin(b) cos(a - b) = cos(a)cos(b) + sin(a)sin(b) Who first derived them? When, and how? Thanks
  20. D

    Exploring the Origins of Sine and Cosine Formulas

    Hello. I know the definition of sine and cosine, but how were these formulas originally invented? I mean, how did people derive the power series for sine and cosine for the first time?
  21. T

    Free Math Programs for Writing Formulas & Graphing: Project Solutions

    Does ne1 know of any free math programs that write formulas and make graphs? I need one for a project I'm working on.
  22. maverick280857

    Connection Formulas in the WKB approximation

    Hello friends, I've been reading Schiff's book on QM (3rd Edition), esp the section on the WKB approximation. (This isn't homework.) I have a few questions: What is the physical significance of the arrow on the connection formulas, like \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{\sqrt{\kappa}} e^{-\zeta_{2}}...
  23. L

    Differentiating Acids and Bases Based on Chemical Formulas

    Homework Statement does anyone know how i can differentiate a strong acid from a weak acid and likewise for a strong base and a weak base based on its chemical formula? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  24. L

    Friction Formulas: Fn, Ff & Mu w/ D, T, A, Vi & Ramp Angle

    Homework Statement What is the formula for: Fn, Ff, and mu when you have a object sliding down a ramp. Variable know are D, T, A, Vi, and the angle of the ramp above the horrizon. The Attempt at a Solution I've tried a few that ended up being quite long and all wrong...
  25. B

    Are the formulas that account for aberraion and doppler shift compatible?

    Presenting the aberration of light effect we consider that two observers at rest in I and I' in the standard configuration equipped with laser guns start to emit light when they are instantly located at the same point in space. The problem is to find out a relationsship between the directions...
  26. D

    Solving Iterative Formulas: Xn+1 Explained

    Homework Statement First of all this is revision not homework =) question is Xn+1 = Cuberoot ( 17.5-2xn) answer lies between 2 and 3. i know the answer is 2.34 but what i don't get is why it is xn+1 = equation, because when you put xn=2.34 into the equation you get 2.34 out...
  27. A

    Slingshot, need Position/time, acceleration and velocity formulas

    Homework Statement What is the acceleration,position,and velocity formula for the launch of a slingshot. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I just don't know where to start tbh... I really need help i put this off and its due tommorrow... If someone could respond i can...
  28. J

    Deriving Formula #5 - V2² = V1² + 2ad

    Derive formula #5 using any of the other formulas 1. Vav= d/t 2. Aav= V2-V2/t 3. d= (V1+V2/2) t 4. d= V1t + 1/2 a t squared 5. V2 squared = V1 squared + 2ad *note all the Vav, Aav, a and d have a vector sign ontop and d and t always have the triangle representing change in
  29. C

    Magnetic Energy formulas, units, and examples

    1. My teacher has given me a poster board to do on magnetic energy even though she has explained nothing about the subject, nor is there anything in my book. I am looking for the formula for finding magnetic energy and examples from everyday life. All I got was 1/2BH, but I have no idea what...
  30. N

    Proofs of fast formulas for computing constant pi

    I am interesting for mathematical background od fast algorithms for computing number \pi with complete proofs only. More specific, I am interesting for Gauss Legendre algorithm, Borwein algorithm, Ramanujan formulas and Chudnovsky formula.
  31. T

    How do I Solve for t in a Projectile Motion Equation?

    Homework Statement The given equation is: 0 = vt-1/2at^2 and you must solve for t.Homework Equations There's a question similar to this one, d=ut+1/2at^2, but there's an extra variable so you are able to use the quadratic formula. In this case, I'm not quite sure if I'm solving the question...
  32. L

    Investigating Stokes Law: Different Formulas, Different Results?

    Hello all. I'm investigating a little bit about stokes law in order to understand the settling velocity of falling particles and on the net i encountered with 2 different formulas and i simply can't find the reason why they are different. every formula gives me a different answer. The 2...
  33. A

    Book of Mathematical Theorems and Formulas?

    I'm looking for a giant tome on every theorem and formula. If it had more, that would be awesome, but I'm just looking for one giant book to use as a reference. I prefer to learn theorems and formulas after learning how they were discovered, but I also want a "scope" of what's available out...
  34. G

    Solving Expressions: Factor a^2-b^2 and a^3-b^3

    Part 1:Factor the expressions a^2-b^2 and a^3-b^3 For part 1, i worked it out to be: (a+b)(a-b) and (a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2) Part 2: Suppose f(x) is a function that has a derivative. Let g(x)=x^2f(x), k(x)=\sqrt{f(x)}, and p(x)=^3\sqrt{f(x)}. Without using the product rule and w/o using the...
  35. F

    Formulas needed for science fiction book

    I am writing a science fiction book with the following premise: A starship drive (and weapon) has been discovered that acts as a laser that turns ordinary matter into gamma rays at 100% efficiency; matter goes in one end of a tube and the light comes out the other end, driving the spaceship...
  36. M

    Proving trigonometric identities using sum and difference formulas

    Homework Statement Prove that sin (a+b) does not equal sin a + sin b. Let a = pi/3 and b = pi/6 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Where I am lost is how to figure out what pi/3 or pi/6 is. Like for example, how can I know sin pi/3 is sqrt3 over 2? Is this a...
  37. K

    Proving the Equivalence of Two Formulas with e as Small

    Homework Statement Taking e to be small, we have been given these two formulas to prove m1 = \frac{-1+\sqrt{1-4e}}{2e} = \frac{-1+(1-2e+O(e^2))}{2e} = -1+ O(e) m2= \frac{-1-\sqrt{1-4e}}{2e} = \frac{-1-(1-2e+O(e^2))}{2e} = -1+ O(1) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution...
  38. J

    Need Thermo Formulas and Equations

    I have a test coming up tomorrow, looking for all the equations, I am in AP Physics course. TY
  39. N

    Help with Identifying the group in ionic compund formulas

    Homework Statement Identify the group to which X belongs in each ionic compound formula. Enter your response using the group number. a) MgX b)XCl2 c) XF2 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution The first one I figured out was group 16. However, the next two I thought...
  40. F

    How do I generate formulas with formular language

    as the topic, just want ask what software does that sort of things. thanks
  41. A

    Difficult Trig Identity (no double ange, power reducing formulas)

    Homework Statement sin^3(x) - cos^3(x) / sin(x) + cos(x) = csc^2(x) -cot(x) - 2cos^2(x) / 1 - cot^2(x) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I have attached one of my many attempts. Any input?
  42. A

    How can I solve these equations iteratively?

    Homework Statement I'm given the values: UH=2031, BH=36927 and VH=146405 and I'm asked to solve the following equations iteratively to find UJ BJ and VJ. Homework Equations UJ=UH+0.179(BJ-VJ) BJ=BH+0.060(BJ-VJ) VJ=VH-0.004(BJ-VJ) I don't know how to solve equations iteratively...
  43. D

    Normal Form for Polynomial Formulas

    "Normal form" for formulas I am about to set myself the following programming exercise; let me know if this would be useful in any way, or how can it be improved into something useful. Suppose I restrict myself to formulas in polynomials of Q, including polynomial fractions. My intention is...
  44. D

    Writing formulas for compounds.

    I'm a student that isn't quite understanding how to write formulas for compounds. any help would be appreciated. thanks.
  45. O

    Cubic formula and vietes formulas

    First, Is there a way to convert a complex number to polar form without using boolean commands? And now, my real question: Do all of viete's formulas hold true when the coefficients of a cubic formula are complex? I wrote a script that finds the roots of a cubic formula with complex...
  46. M

    Verifying Invertible Matrices Formulas

    Homework Statement Determine which of the formulas hold for all invertible nxn matrices A and B: (a) (A+A-1)8=A8+A-8 (b) A + In in invertible (c) AB=BA (d) (A+B)(A-B) = A2 - B2 (e) (ABA-1)3 = AB3A-1 (f) A6B4 in invertible The Attempt at a Solution (a) I don't know this one, I don't...
  47. I

    Can You Prove These Physics Formulas and Galileo's Law?

    zE=kE=mv² / 2, pE=brE=mgh, F=GMm/r²=Erk, F=kp1 q2/d², fx=mv²/2 Could you proof the formulas above?and also Galileo's h=gt²/2 Can you proof them?
  48. T

    What does conjunction of formulas mean?

    Suppose we have a number of formulas involving variables a,b,c,d,e,f. What does it mean when the text says let M(a,b,c,d,e,f) be the conjunction of the formulas?
  49. B

    Exploring Formulas: i^4, i^5, i^6 & Beyond!

    About these formulas: \frac{n(n+1)}{2}, \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6} ,(\frac{n(n+1)}{2})^2 How were they evolved? And what about i^4, i^5, i^6,... Thankyou everybody;;
  50. T

    I understanding how to read and write chemical formulas

    I am in a Chem 105 course. I don't have a homework assignment but we do have a test coming up and I have some worksheets to help me practice writing formulas. My question is how do you know if the formula has a charge. For example: Sodium Nitrate - I know Sodium is Na and I know Nitrate is a...
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