Final answer:
To determine the constant of proportionality k when r varies directly with p, and given that r = 3 when p = 15, we divide r by p, which results in k = 1/5.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a student asks to assume that r varies directly as p, and wants to know the constant of proportionality when r = 3 when p = 15, we can use the formula r = kp where k is the constant of proportionality.
To find k, we simply divide r by p using the given values:
- Substitute the given values into the equation: 3 = k * 15.
- Divide both sides by 15 to solve for k: k = 3 / 15.
- Simplify the fraction to get the constant of proportionality: k = 1/5.
Therefore, the constant of proportionality is k = 1/5, which corresponds to option (c).