Algebra and proofAdditional / Further Maths

Rearranging a formula - repeated occurrences

Collect all terms containing the target variable, then factorise it out.

  • Clear fractions where needed.
  • Put every term containing the target variable on one side.
  • Factorise the target variable, then divide by the remaining bracket.

Example 1

Collect and factorise

Make the stated variable the subject of the formula.

Factorise the expression.Apply this to both sides; then write the subject on the left.

Example 2

A variable in a denominator

Rearrange the formula for the stated variable.

Apply this to both sides.Apply this to both sides.Apply this to both sides; then write the subject on the left.

Remember
Use the rearranged formula where its denominator and the original denominator are non-zero.

Your turn

Question 1

Make the subject.

Check answer
Apply this to both sides; then write the subject on the left.
Question 2

Make the subject.

Check answer
Collect the terms to obtain , then divide both sides by .
Question 3

Make the subject.

Check answer
Multiply both sides by to clear the denominator, which must be non-zero. Collect the terms to obtain , then divide both sides by .
Question 4

Make the subject.

Check answer
Multiply both sides by to clear the denominator, which must be non-zero. Collect the terms to obtain , then divide both sides by .
Question 5

Make the subject.

Check answer
Multiply both sides by to clear the denominator, which must be non-zero. Collect the terms to obtain , then divide both sides by .