Question

P varies inversely with x. If P = 12 when x = 4, find the value of P when x = −48.

Answer 1

P = - 1

Explanation:

Given P varies inversely with x the the equation relating them is

P =
`(k)/(x)` ← k is the constant of variation

To find k use the condition P = 12 when x = 4

12 =
`(k)/(4)` ( multiply both sides by 4 )

48 = k

P =
`(48)/(x)` ← equation of variation

When x = - 48, then

P =
`(48)/(-48)` = - 1