Maths for electricians

The maths behind Level 2 electrical science: rearranging formulas, powers and standard form, areas and π, Pythagoras, trigonometry and percentages. Work through the topics in order. Each ends with a mini test.

1. Rearranging formulas (transposition)How to change the subject of a formula: the balance rule, the formula triangle, and formulas with squares and square roots.6-question test
2. Powers, roots and standard formSquares and square roots, the rules for powers of ten, and writing very big and very small numbers in standard form.6-question test
3. Areas, circles and πAreas of rectangles, triangles and circles, what π is, and how to work out a conductor's cross-sectional area from its diameter.6-question test
4. Pythagoras' theoremFinding a missing side of a right-angled triangle, with real examples: ladder lengths, diagonal cable runs and the power triangle.6-question test
5. Trigonometry: sin, cos and tanSOH CAH TOA explained with electrical examples: why ladders lean at 75°, finding heights and angles, and power factor as cos φ.6-question test
6. Percentages, ratios and efficiencyPercentages for voltage drop and the 80 % rule, efficiency, transformer ratios and adding VAT to a quote.6-question test