Formulae

Pythagoras and His Enduring Legacy in Modern GCSE Maths

The legacy of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek mathematician, extends far beyond the classical era into the very fabric of modern mathematics. His contributions, particularly the Pythagorean Theorem, have become foundational elements in the curriculum of GCSE Maths. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the life of Pythagoras, explore the impact of his work on GCSE Maths, and highlight practical applications of his theorems in everyday life.

Pythagoras: A Glimpse into the Past

Pythagoras, born in approximately 570 BCE, was not just a mathematician but also a philosopher and mystic. His most renowned contribution, the Pythagorean Theorem, states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Formulae vs. Formulas: Which one is correct?

In mathematics language plays a critical role in conveying precision and clarity. One common point of confusion is the usage of formulae and formulas. While both terms are correct, they have distinct meanings and applications. Understanding the differences can help you communicate more effectively, especially in academic and formal settings.

What is the Difference Between Formulas and Formulae?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these terms and when to use each. We’ll also discuss the regional variations and preferences that can influence usage. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the nuances and be able to use the right term for the right situation.

A Glossary of GCSE Maths Terms

Comprehensive GCSE-Level Mathematical Terms and Definitions

This glossary contains a comprehensive list of mathematical terms and definitions used in GCSE Maths. This is a useful resource for students to bookmark and refer to when revising for exams or preparing for assessments.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

• Absolute Value: The distance of a number from zero on the number line, always positive.
• Acute Angle: An angle that measures less than 90 degrees.
• Addition: The process of combining two or more numbers to get a total or sum.
• Algebra: The branch of mathematics that uses letters and other symbols to represent unknown numbers.
• Algebraic Expression: A mathematical phrase that can contain numbers, variables, and operators but doesn’t have an equals sign.
• Algebraic Fraction: A fraction that contains algebraic expressions in the numerator, denominator, or both.
• Algebraic Term: A number, variable, or product of numbers and variables.
• Alternate Angles: Angles that are on opposite sides of a transversal and are outside the two lines.
• Angle: The measure of the amount of rotation needed to bring one line or plane into coincidence with another.
• Area: The measure of the extent of a surface, usually expressed in square units.
• Arithmetic Mean: Another term for the average, calculated by adding up a set of values and dividing by the number of values.
• Asymptote: A line that a curve approaches but never touches, especially as it extends towards infinity.
• Average: The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values.
• Axis: A reference line from which distances or angles are measured in a coordinate grid.
• Axis of Symmetry: A line that divides a figure into two halves that are mirror images of each other.

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