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MathsMaths378 views·Updated 31 Aug 2026·7 pages

How to Change the Subject of a Formula and Calculate Volumes

user profile picture
Kimberley@kimberley_ncyf

This guide covers key mathematical concepts including changing the subject...

1
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 1

Volume Calculations

This page focuses on volume calculations for various 3D shapes, providing essential formulas and a practical example.

Vocabulary: Volume is the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object.

The page lists key volume formulas:

  • Prism: V = Ah (Area of base × height)
  • Cylinder: V = πr²h (π × radius² × height)
  • Cuboid: V = lbh (length × breadth × height)

Example: A complex shape consisting of a cylinder and a hemisphere is presented. The problem requires calculating the total volume to 3 significant figures.

The solution is broken down into steps:

  1. Calculate the volume of the cylinder (V₁)
  2. Calculate the volume of the hemisphere (V₂)
  3. Sum the two volumes and round to 3 significant figures

Highlight: When solving complex volume problems, break the shape into simpler components and calculate their volumes separately before combining.

2
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 2

Interquartile Range

This page explains the concept of interquartile range (IQR) and its application in comparing data sets.

Definition: The interquartile range is a measure of statistical dispersion, calculated as the difference between the upper (Q3) and lower (Q1) quartiles.

The formula for IQR is presented: IQR = Q3 - Q1

Example: A set of midday temperatures in Glasgow is given: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10. The problem requires calculating the median and IQR.

The solution demonstrates how to:

  1. Arrange the data in ascending order
  2. Find the median (Q2)
  3. Calculate Q1 and Q3
  4. Compute the IQR

Highlight: The IQR is useful for comparing the spread of data between different sets, as shown in the comparison between Glasgow and Edinburgh temperatures.

3
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 3

Standard Deviation

This page covers the calculation of mean and standard deviation for a given data set.

Definition: Standard deviation is a measure of the amount of variation or dispersion of a set of values.

The page provides a step-by-step guide to calculating standard deviation:

  1. Calculate the mean of the data set
  2. Find the difference between each data point and the mean
  3. Square these differences
  4. Sum the squared differences
  5. Divide by n1n-1, where n is the number of data points
  6. Take the square root of the result

Example: A data set of 14, 17, 15, 23, 20, 19 is used to demonstrate the calculation process.

Highlight: The sum of the differences between each data point and the mean should always equal zero, serving as a check for calculations.

4
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 4

Straight Line Equations

This page focuses on the equation of a straight line and how to determine its gradient and y-intercept.

Vocabulary: The general form of a straight line equation is y = mx + c, where m is the gradient and c is the y-intercept.

The page demonstrates how to:

  1. Rearrange an equation into y = mx + c form
  2. Identify the gradient and y-intercept from this form
  3. Calculate the gradient using two points on the line

Example: The equation 2x - 5y = 20 is rearranged to find the gradient and y-intercept.

Highlight: The gradient formula m = y2y1y₂ - y₁ / x2x1x₂ - x₁ is crucial for finding the slope between two points.

5
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 5

Equation of a Line

This page extends the concept of straight lines, focusing on finding the equation of a line passing through two points.

Vocabulary: The point-slope form of a line equation is y - y₁ = mxx1x - x₁, where (x₁, y₁) is a point on the line and m is the gradient.

The page demonstrates the process of finding a line equation:

  1. Calculate the gradient using two given points
  2. Use the point-slope form to write the equation
  3. Simplify the equation to y = mx + c form

Example: Find the equation of the line passing through 1,7-1, -7 and (4, 3).

The page also introduces arc length calculations:

  • Formula: l = θ/360° × πd, where θ is the angle in degrees and d is the diameter

Highlight: The arc length formula can be rearranged to find unknown angles or diameters when other variables are given.

6
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 6

Area of a Sector

This final page covers the calculation of sector area in a circle.

Definition: A sector is a part of a circular disk enclosed by two radii and an arc.

The formula for the area of a sector is presented: A = θ/360° × πr², where θ is the angle in degrees and r is the radius.

Example: Calculate the area of a sector with radius 3cm and angle 150°.

The page also shows how to:

  • Find an unknown angle given the area and radius
  • Calculate the radius when given the area and angle

Highlight: Sector area problems often involve rearranging the formula to solve for different variables, similar to changing the subject of a formula.

7
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 7

Changing the Subject of a Formula

This page introduces the concept of changing the subject of a formula in mathematics. It demonstrates the process using two examples.

Definition: Changing the subject of a formula involves rearranging an equation to isolate a different variable as the subject.

The first example shows how to change the subject of the formula F = C/t+4bt+4b + 4b² to t. The process involves applying opposite operations to isolate t.

Example: To change F = C/t+4bt+4b + 4b² to make t the subject, subtract 4b² from both sides, multiply by t+4bt+4b, and then subtract 4b to isolate t.

The second example demonstrates changing the subject of P = my²/2 to v. This involves multiplying both sides by 2, dividing by m, and then taking the square root.

Highlight: When changing the subject of a formula, always perform the same operation on both sides of the equation to maintain equality.

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MathsMaths378 views·Updated 31 Aug 2026·7 pages

How to Change the Subject of a Formula and Calculate Volumes

user profile picture
Kimberley@kimberley_ncyf

This guide covers key mathematical concepts including changing the subject of formulas, calculating volumes, interquartile range, standard deviation, straight line equations, and arc length and sector area calculations. It provides step-by-step examples to illustrate these important topics for students.

•...

1
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 1

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Volume Calculations

This page focuses on volume calculations for various 3D shapes, providing essential formulas and a practical example.

Vocabulary: Volume is the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object.

The page lists key volume formulas:

  • Prism: V = Ah (Area of base × height)
  • Cylinder: V = πr²h (π × radius² × height)
  • Cuboid: V = lbh (length × breadth × height)

Example: A complex shape consisting of a cylinder and a hemisphere is presented. The problem requires calculating the total volume to 3 significant figures.

The solution is broken down into steps:

  1. Calculate the volume of the cylinder (V₁)
  2. Calculate the volume of the hemisphere (V₂)
  3. Sum the two volumes and round to 3 significant figures

Highlight: When solving complex volume problems, break the shape into simpler components and calculate their volumes separately before combining.

2
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 2

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  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Interquartile Range

This page explains the concept of interquartile range (IQR) and its application in comparing data sets.

Definition: The interquartile range is a measure of statistical dispersion, calculated as the difference between the upper (Q3) and lower (Q1) quartiles.

The formula for IQR is presented: IQR = Q3 - Q1

Example: A set of midday temperatures in Glasgow is given: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10. The problem requires calculating the median and IQR.

The solution demonstrates how to:

  1. Arrange the data in ascending order
  2. Find the median (Q2)
  3. Calculate Q1 and Q3
  4. Compute the IQR

Highlight: The IQR is useful for comparing the spread of data between different sets, as shown in the comparison between Glasgow and Edinburgh temperatures.

3
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 3

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  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Standard Deviation

This page covers the calculation of mean and standard deviation for a given data set.

Definition: Standard deviation is a measure of the amount of variation or dispersion of a set of values.

The page provides a step-by-step guide to calculating standard deviation:

  1. Calculate the mean of the data set
  2. Find the difference between each data point and the mean
  3. Square these differences
  4. Sum the squared differences
  5. Divide by n1n-1, where n is the number of data points
  6. Take the square root of the result

Example: A data set of 14, 17, 15, 23, 20, 19 is used to demonstrate the calculation process.

Highlight: The sum of the differences between each data point and the mean should always equal zero, serving as a check for calculations.

4
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 4

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Straight Line Equations

This page focuses on the equation of a straight line and how to determine its gradient and y-intercept.

Vocabulary: The general form of a straight line equation is y = mx + c, where m is the gradient and c is the y-intercept.

The page demonstrates how to:

  1. Rearrange an equation into y = mx + c form
  2. Identify the gradient and y-intercept from this form
  3. Calculate the gradient using two points on the line

Example: The equation 2x - 5y = 20 is rearranged to find the gradient and y-intercept.

Highlight: The gradient formula m = y2y1y₂ - y₁ / x2x1x₂ - x₁ is crucial for finding the slope between two points.

5
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 5

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Equation of a Line

This page extends the concept of straight lines, focusing on finding the equation of a line passing through two points.

Vocabulary: The point-slope form of a line equation is y - y₁ = mxx1x - x₁, where (x₁, y₁) is a point on the line and m is the gradient.

The page demonstrates the process of finding a line equation:

  1. Calculate the gradient using two given points
  2. Use the point-slope form to write the equation
  3. Simplify the equation to y = mx + c form

Example: Find the equation of the line passing through 1,7-1, -7 and (4, 3).

The page also introduces arc length calculations:

  • Formula: l = θ/360° × πd, where θ is the angle in degrees and d is the diameter

Highlight: The arc length formula can be rearranged to find unknown angles or diameters when other variables are given.

6
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 6

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Area of a Sector

This final page covers the calculation of sector area in a circle.

Definition: A sector is a part of a circular disk enclosed by two radii and an arc.

The formula for the area of a sector is presented: A = θ/360° × πr², where θ is the angle in degrees and r is the radius.

Example: Calculate the area of a sector with radius 3cm and angle 150°.

The page also shows how to:

  • Find an unknown angle given the area and radius
  • Calculate the radius when given the area and angle

Highlight: Sector area problems often involve rearranging the formula to solve for different variables, similar to changing the subject of a formula.

7
of 7
Block 2 - National 5 Maths  – page 7

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Changing the Subject of a Formula

This page introduces the concept of changing the subject of a formula in mathematics. It demonstrates the process using two examples.

Definition: Changing the subject of a formula involves rearranging an equation to isolate a different variable as the subject.

The first example shows how to change the subject of the formula F = C/t+4bt+4b + 4b² to t. The process involves applying opposite operations to isolate t.

Example: To change F = C/t+4bt+4b + 4b² to make t the subject, subtract 4b² from both sides, multiply by t+4bt+4b, and then subtract 4b to isolate t.

The second example demonstrates changing the subject of P = my²/2 to v. This involves multiplying both sides by 2, dividing by m, and then taking the square root.

Highlight: When changing the subject of a formula, always perform the same operation on both sides of the equation to maintain equality.

We thought you’d never ask...

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Explore essential mathematical concepts including powers, geometry, statistics, and probability. This resource features 65 pages of detailed explanations, diagrams, and examples to enhance your understanding of topics such as right triangles, volume calculations, and data representation. Ideal for students seeking to strengthen their numeracy skills and grasp complex mathematical principles.

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Explore the Pythagorean Theorem (a² + b² = c²) with clear examples and step-by-step calculations. This summary covers key concepts such as hypotenuse and right triangles, making it essential for understanding geometry. Ideal for students preparing for exams or needing a quick reference.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

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