Question

y varies inversely with x. When y = 3.6, x = 1.2. What is the value of k, the constant of inverse variation? Round to the nearest hundredth, if necessary.

Answer 1

The constant, k, is 4.32.

Explanation:

y varies inversely with x means y=k/x.

y varies directly with x means y=kx.

Anyways we have the first relation: y=k/x where k is a constant.

We divided by x because it said inversely.

We are given (x,y)=(1.2,3.6) is on this curve.

This gives us enough information to find the constant, k.

`y=(k)/(x)` with
`(x,y)=(1.2,3.6)`.

`3.6=(k)/(1.2)`

Multiply both sides by 1.2:

`3.6(1.2)=k`

`4.32=k`

The constant, k, is 4.32.