Area and Volume Calculations
Area formulas are exam favourites, so nail these basics first. Rectangles use length × width, whilst triangles can be calculated using ½ × base × height or the trig version (½ab sin C) when you know two sides and the included angle.
Don't forget parallelograms (base × height) and trapeziums - the trapezium formula uses the average of the parallel sides multiplied by height: a+b/2 × height. For circles, it's π × radius², and circumference is π × diameter.
Volume calculations follow predictable patterns that'll boost your marks. Prisms use area of cross-section × height, cylinders use π × radius² × height, and pyramids use ⅓ × base area × height. The key is identifying the shape type first.
Exam Strategy: Always write down the formula before substituting numbers - examiners often award marks for showing the correct formula even if your calculation goes wrong!