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Subject - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Amber

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What is a subject?

In GCSE maths, a subject is the variable in a formula or equation that is isolated on one side, whilst all other terms and variables are on the other side. It represents the quantity that is being found, or solved for.

An equation or formula can be rearranged to make a different variable the subject, allowing you to solve for specific variables, depending on the problem you are working on.

For example, in the formula for the area of a circle: A equals pi r squared, A is the subject as it is on its own on one side of the formula. This can be used to find the area of a circle, if the radius is known. The formula could be rearranged to make r the subject: r equals square root of A over pi end root. This could then be used to find the radius of a circle, if the area is known.

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Amber

Reviewer: Amber

Expertise: Maths Content Creator

Amber gained a first class degree in Mathematics & Meteorology from the University of Reading before training to become a teacher. She is passionate about teaching, having spent 8 years teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics both in the UK and internationally. Amber loves creating bright and informative resources to help students reach their potential.

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