GCSE, A Level, maths, physics, chemistry, geography...anything where you have to calculate a result!

Calculating results using formulas can be daunting if you're not confident with maths. Fortunately there are a few simple tips that can help you to identify the solution and calculate the correct answer.

Before the exam:

• Learn the equations!
  • Some equations will be given on the formula sheet but the more familiar you are with them, the easier and quicker it is to recall and use them.

• Practise using the equations:
  • Simple questions first to help memorise the equations
  • Then harder questions (e.g. from past papers, involving rearrangement etc.)

In the exam:

If you’re stuck on a calculation:

• Write down or highlight:
  • What you know
  • What you’re trying to calculate.
  • Look out for “hidden” information. E.g. “from rest” means initial speed is zero, “in equilibrium means resultant force is zero and sum of moments is zero.

• Look for a formula that relates what you know to what you’re calculating
  • Use the formula sheet if you can’t remember or if you’re unsure about a formula.

• Write down the formula (as either a word equation or an algebraic formula)
• Substitute the data from the question into the formula
• Do you need to rearrange the formula?
  • You can do this either before or after substituting in values. Whichever you prefer.

• Some harder questions will require more work:
  • Calculating a result from one formula and substituting into another formula.
  • Combining two formulae algebraically.