Question

Y

varies inversely as
x
. If
x
= 8 then
y
= 4. Find
y
when
x
= 6.

y
=

Answer 1

Explanation:

y = 1/12 when x = 6

If y varies inversely as x, then the governing equation is y = k/x, where k is the constant of proportionality.

If x = 8 then y = 4. From this info we can determine the value of k:

4 = k8. Then k = 4/8 = 1/2.

1

Then the specific inverse variation rule is y = (1/2)/x, or y = ---------

2x

1

Find y when x = 6. Just substitute 6 for x: y = ------------ = 1/12

2(6)