Density, Mass and Volume
Density problems link ratio work with geometry through the relationship density = mass / volume. Students must rearrange this formula, convert units, and often combine it with volume calculations for 3D shapes.
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No questions match the current filters for Density, Mass and Volume.
What You'll Learn
- Using the formula density = mass / volume
- Rearranging the density formula to find mass or volume
- Converting between units (g/cm cubed to kg/m cubed)
- Combining density with volume of a 3D shape
Watch Out For These Mistakes
Students make these errors again and again. Knowing them in advance gives you a head start.
Confusing density, mass and volume in the formula triangle
Forgetting to convert units when the mass and volume use different metric prefixes
Not reading the question carefully to identify which quantity is being asked for
What Examiners Say About Density, Mass and Volume
Insights pulled from Cambridge IGCSE (0580) examiner reports — the exact mistakes candidates make every year.
- Common Mistake●●●●●
For train-crossing-bridge problems: (1) Total distance = train length + bridge length, (2) Convert all units to be consistent (all metres + seconds, or all km + hours) BEFORE calculating.
Source: CIE 0580 · Feb/March 2024 · Paper 2 · Q14
- Common Mistake●●●●●
If 5/13 are sold, then 8/13 remain. Set the remainder (96) equal to the remaining fraction (8/13 of total), not the sold fraction. A decimal answer in a whole-number context should alert you to an err
Source: CIE 0580 · Feb/March 2021 · Paper 1 · Q13
- Misconception●●●●●
Percentage profit = (profit / COST PRICE) × 100 — divide by COST, not selling price. Profit = selling − cost. This is the most-missed type of percentage question.
Source: CIE 0580 · May/June 2021 · Paper 3 · Q1f(i)
Based on 3of 500+ insights extracted from CIE 0580 examiner reports (2018–2024).
Exam Coverage
This topic appears in the Cambridge IGCSE past papers. Our AI tutor can help with it on any question.
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Ratio, proportion, and percentage formulae