Question

The number of cigarettes a person smokes varies inversely with how long they can hold their breath. A person who smokes 10

cigarettes a day can hold their breath for 50 seconds.
Find the (k) constant of variation.

Answer 1

To find the constant of variation in this situation, we need to use the formula for inverse variation, which is:

y = k / x

where y is the number of cigarettes a person smokes, x is the length of time they can hold their breath, and k is the constant of variation.

In this case, we are given that y = 10 cigarettes and x = 50 seconds. We can solve for k by multiplying both sides of the equation by x:

k = y * x

= 10 cigarettes * 50 seconds

= 500

Therefore, the constant of variation in this situation is 500. This means that for every 50 seconds of breath-holding time, a person will smoke approximately 10 cigarettes.