Final answer:
Pressure is calculated by dividing force by the area perpendicular to the force, with increased pressure resulting from either more force or less area, and decreased pressure from less force or more area.
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand pressure, consider it as a measure of how much force is applied over a certain area. The pressure is calculated by dividing the force by the area perpendicular to the force. If you apply a force to a smaller area, you increase the pressure; conversely, if you apply the same force over a larger area, the pressure decreases.
An example to illustrate pressure could be using a sharp needle versus a finger to press against your skin. When the force is exerted over the tiny area of a needle tip, the pressure is enough to penetrate the skin. However, the same force spread over the broader area of a finger will not have the same effect because the pressure is much lower.