Formula (mathematics)

In mathematics, a formula is an entity constructed using the symbols and formation rules of a given logical language.

Example

For example, determining the volume of a sphere requires a significant amount of integral calculus or its geometrical analogue, the method of exhaustion

Having done this once in terms of some parameter (the radius for example), mathematicians have produced a formula to describe the volume.

This particular formula is:

V = 
4
/
3
 π r3

Having obtained this result, and knowing the radius of any sphere in question, we can quickly and easily determine its volume. Note 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 larger and more complex formulas.

Mathematical formulas are often algebraic, closed form, and/or analytical.

See also

• Equation
• Expression (mathematics)
• Formula
• Mathematical logic
• Mathematical notation
• Mathematics
• Symbol