Question

In the expression a = k/b, what is k

Answer 1

k=ab

Explanation:

a=k/b

a(b)=(k/b)(b)---multiple b to both sides to isolate k

k=ab

Answer 2

k is the constant of variation.

Explanation:

In direct variation:

`y\propto x`

`y=kx`

In inverse variation:

`y\propto (1)/(x)`

`y=(k)/(x)`

`yx=k`

In both cases k is the constant of variation

The given equation is

`a=(k)/(b)`

We need to find the value of k in this equation.

First we have to isolate k on one side of the equation.

Multiply both sides by b to isolate k on right side.

`a* b=(k)/(b)* b`

Cancel out the common factors.

`ab=k`

Interchange the sides of the equation.

`k=ab`

It means a and b are inversely proportional.

Therefore, the k is the constant of variation.