• A general description of a formula states that variables and symbols are used to show how quantities relate to one another.
• For any given formula, numbers must be substituted for the variables, to find the value of any specific part of that formula.

The formula for distance will serve as a good example.

Distance equals rate multiplied by time.

A car travels at a rate of 65 mph for 5 hours.
How far did it travel?

d = 65 x 5
d = 325 miles

Clara rides her bike for 2.5 hours
at a speed of 6.5 mph. How far did Clara travel?