Fórmula

Fórmula is a term used in mathematics, science, and everyday language to denote a concise symbolic expression that expresses a rule, relation, or method. The word comes from the Latin formula, meaning a prescribed form or a standard method. In mathematics and physics, a fórmula expresses how one quantity depends on others, typically involving variables and constants, and is used to calculate values. For example, the area of a circle is A = πr^2, and the Pythagorean theorem a^2 + b^2 = c^2 provides a relationship among the sides of a right triangle.

In chemistry, a chemical fórmula represents a substance's composition using chemical symbols and subscripts that indicate which elements are present and in what proportions; common examples include H2O and CO2. Formulas can be empirical, showing the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms, or molecular, indicating the actual numbers of atoms in a molecule. Stoichiometry relies on balancing formulas in chemical reactions.

Beyond science, a fórmula can denote a fixed recipe or protocol, such as a pharmaceutical formulation or a cooking formula that guides preparation. In computing, formulas are used in spreadsheets and programming to compute values, with syntax and precedence rules; for instance, a cell fórmula may reference other cells.

Formulas are idealized representations and rely on assumptions and units remaining consistent. They are tools for prediction and explanation but may not capture all aspects of complex systems.