Use and Application of a Formula

1. When performing an experiment or analyzing data, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following question:

Could a mathematical formula be helpful to me as I understand or analyze my data?

2. Formulas are rules that make statements. They give information concerning a relationship between two or more items or values. For example, a formula is used when calculating the volume of a cube.

Volume of a cube = Length x Width x Height

3. Formulas help us to understand concepts more fully. By studying the formula for the volume of a cube, we can more completely understand the volume of a cube. For instance, the formula indicates that three factors affect the volume of a cube: length, width, and height.

4. Formulas also indicate to us which factors can be ignored or dismissed. For instance, the formula for the volume of a cube tells us what is not important to the volume of a cube. Studying the formula, we know that color and weight do not affect the volume of a cube.

5. Because formulas give us valuable information, they are often helpful in performing an experiment or analyzing data.