Rearranging Formulae

Overview

Presenters Jamie and Katie explore some situations in which mathematical formulae can be used to work things out. They discover that by rearranging the formulae they can make further calculations. Jamie investigates how organisers of a big rock concert work out the number of toilets they will need to hire for the event and also how divers calculate the relationship between the air in their tank and the time they can stay under water. Katie hires a car for the day and uses a formula to find out how many miles she can travel.

The programme aims to present the topic of rearranging formulae in a lively, interesting and entertaining style. The content is linked throughout to the requirements of GCSE Intermediate Mathematics. It includes tips for answering examination questions and a discussion of a typical exam error in the 'Tick or Trash' section. The algebraic steps required to transform the given formulae are demonstrated in detail and there is a steady progression in the complexity of the examples given. Clear graphic and visual explanations are used to reinforce understanding of the mathematics covered. The programme uses simple real-life contexts and draws the core mathematical ideas from these settings. The content is chosen to engage the student audience, as well as to support teachers by bringing the outside world into the classroom.