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formula

formula

84 3.6
A rule written with symbols or numbers to show a relationship
  • noun
  • /ˈfɔrmjələ/
  • Specialized
: fórmula
  • So let's define the gravitational force of the Earth on an object by Newton's gravitational formula.
  • mathematical formula
  • formula for calculating
  • distance formula

No one writes math formulas on glass. OK,

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Examples

  • You could use the quadratic formula, right?

  • Is there a good formula for that?

  • But now the formula is, is global.

  • But now let's prove that this formula is correct in general.

  • So if I know that and then this is the formula for conservation.

  • So, if you remember this formula, you can use it to solve the previous problem.

  • But this is the formula from classical physics.

  • A scientist developed a formula for a cure for the plague.

  • Now that's a correct and useful formula.

  • In chemistry class, we learned that formula represent the relationship between different elements.

Synonyms

rule
vsformula
∞ 1.0

An instruction or law that tells people what to do

is given specifically in symbols or numbers to show a relationship
expression
vsformula
  • Specialized
14 6.3

A group of numbers and symbols that makes a math statement

is a symbolic rule or relationship stated in numbers and symbols
mathematical statement
vsformula
  • Specialized
1 5.6

A clear sentence that shows a math relation or idea

is a symbolic rule expressing relationships rather than just declaring them
mathematical relation
vsformula
  • Specialized
5.4

A connection between values that shows when they are equal or which is larger

is used more broadly across science and chemistry, not only mathematics

Compounds

chemical formula
  • Specialized
3 3.6

Symbols that show which elements are in a substance and how many of each

molecular formula
  • Specialized
1 4.1

The exact number and kinds of atoms in one small part of a chemical compound

benzene formula
  • Specialized
5.8

A diagram showing six carbon atoms in a ring, each attached to one hydrogen

empirical formula
  • Specialized
4.8

The simplest whole number ratio of elements in a chemical compound, not the exact number of atoms

Cat food that helps stop hair clumps forming in a cat's stomach

Kekule formula
  • Specialized
9.9

A structural drawing of benzene showing six carbons in a ring with alternating single and double bonds

structural formula
  • Specialized
6.1

A drawing that shows how atoms are joined in a molecule

Surface Forms

formula singular
formulas plural

Etymology

Formula comes from the old Latin forma ('form' or 'shape') plus the ending -ula ('little'), giving the idea of a small, fixed shape. So a mathematical formula is a fixed rule or 'shape' for numbers that gives the same result when you use it.