How is pressure calculated in a hydraulic system?

In a hydraulic system, pressure is fundamentally defined as the force exerted per unit area over which that force is distributed. Therefore, the correct way to calculate pressure involves taking the total force applied and dividing it by the area over which that force acts. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as:

Pressure (P) = Force (F) / Area (A).

This principle underlies the operation of hydraulic systems, where amplifying force through a small input area can create a significant output force over a larger area.

Other choices present incorrect mathematical operations or relationships. For example, dividing area by force does not yield any meaningful measurement relevant to pressure. Similarly, multiplying force by area or adding force to area does not align with the definition of pressure in a hydraulic context. Understanding this basic formula is crucial because it reflects how hydraulic systems efficiently transmit and amplify forces through fluid pressure.