Ratio & ProportionDeep Dive

Method: PFA Triangle

Part of Pressure — GCSE Mathematics

This deep dive covers Method: PFA Triangle within Pressure for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Pressure in Ratio & Proportion for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 2 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 3 of 5 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 5

Practice

12 questions

Recall

2 flashcards

Method: PFA Triangle

1 Identify what you have (P, F, or A) and what you need

2 Use triangle: Cover what you need

3 Check units are consistent (m² or cm²)

4 Calculate and state units

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Pressure. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Key Facts Worked Example 1: Finding Pressure What Is Pressure?Worked Example 2: Finding Area

Practice Questions for Pressure

Which formula correctly defines pressure?

A. Pressure = Area ÷ Force
B. Pressure = Force × Area
C. Pressure = Force ÷ Area
D. Pressure = Force + Area

1 markfoundation

A woman weighs 650 N. She wears flat shoes (each with area 150 cm²) or stiletto heels (each with area 1 cm²). She stands on one foot. Explain why the stiletto heel exerts a much greater pressure on the floor than the flat shoe. Support your answer with a calculation.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Pressure Formula

Pressure = Force ÷ Area. Units: N/m² or Pascals (Pa). Same force over smaller area = MORE pressure!

Pressure Applications

Pressure = Force ÷ Area. Sharp knives, stiletto heels, snowshoes - all examples of changing area to change pressure!

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Key Facts

Worked Example 1: Finding Pressure