GCSE Maths: Rearranging Formulae
Change the subject of a formula using inverse operations. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on rearranging formulae, and what each one is really asking.
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Doing an operation to only one side
- Getting the order of inverse operations wrong
- Not handling fractions correctly when rearranging
- Forgetting to take the square root when undoing a squared term
Rearranging Formulae questions students ask
Is Rearranging Formulae on the Foundation paper?
Yes. Rearranging Formulae appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.
What should I know before starting Rearranging Formulae?
It builds on Solving linear equations and Expanding brackets and Index laws. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Rearranging Formulae questions assume them.
What is the most common mistake in Rearranging Formulae?
Doing an operation to only one side.
Which exam boards cover Rearranging Formulae?
All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.