Algebraic Formulae

By V. Murali

Formula
- An equation that relates several types of variables.
- Formed based on a given statement or situation.

Example 1
The diagram below shows a trapezium. Write a formula for the area of the trapezium.

a cm

b cm

(a + 6) cm
Solution
The area of trapezium = x [a cm + (a + 6) cm] x b cm

= x (2a + 6) cm x b cm
= (a + 3) cm x b cm
= (a + 3)b cm
= ab + 3b cm

Subject of a Formula
- is a variable that is expressed as a term containing other variable terms.

p = 3r - 2s

Subject of formula

Example 2
Make x the subject of the formula for each of the following.

a. y = x – 5
b. m = x + 6
c. y =
d. k = 5x
e. V =
f. N =
Solution
a. y = x – 5
x–5=y
x–5+5=y+5
x=y+5

b. m = x + 6
x+6=m
x+6–6=m–6
x=m–6

c. y =

=y

x 10 = y x 10
= 10y

d. k = 5x
5x = k
=

e. V =
=V
=
=

f. N =
=N
=N
=N

Example 3
Given that T = 2 , express h as the subject of the formula.

Solution
T=2
2 =T

2 =T

The Value Of Variable

- the value of a variable can be determined when the variable is subject of a
formula, or rearrange to get the subject of the formula and substitute the values of
the other variables.

Example 4
Given that m = 2(n + p). If n = 80 and p = 25, calculate the value of m.

Solution
m = 2(n + p)
= 2(80 + 25)
= 2 x 105
= 210

Example 5
Given s = , find the value of v when t = 4, u = 2 and s = 6.

Solution
s =
substitute the given values,
6 =

6 =

6 x 5v = x 5v
30v – 2v = 24 + 2v – 2v
28v = 24
=

v =

Example 6
Encik Hamid spent RM 560 for fencing of a rectangular area with a length of 8 meter. If
the cost of fencing is RM 20 per meter, calculate the width of that area.

Solution
8m

xm xm

8m

Let, the width of the area = x m,

The total cost = RM y
The perimeter = (2x + 16) m

The total cost = RM 20 x the perimeter

= RM 20 x (2x + 16) m
= 20(2x + 16)

So, y = 20(2x + 16)

=

2x + 16 =

2x + 16 – 16 = - 16

2x = - 16

2x =

2x =

x =
Now, replace y = 560
x =
 =
=6m

Example 7

The diagram above shows a closed cylinder. The total surface area is A = 2 r(r + h).
a) make h the subject of the formula
b) Find the value of h when A = 34.32, = , and r = 1.4

Solution
a) A = 2 r(r + h)
=

r+h =

r -r+h = -r

h =

b) Replace A = 34.32, = , and r = 1.4

= 1.79

Test your self

1. Make y the subject of the formula for each of the following.
a) x =
b) 2m = y
c) A = (m + n)y

2. Given v = u + 2as. If v = 8, u = 6, and s = 7, so a =