formula

formula, in mathematics and physics, equation expressing a definite fixed relationship between certain quantities. The quantities are usually expressed by letters, and their relationship is indicated by algebraic symbols. For example, A = π r ² is the formula for the area A of a circle of radius r, and s = 1/2 at 2 is the formula for the distance s traveled by a body experiencing an acceleration a during a time interval t.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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