Final answer:
To determine the value of x when y=3.2, we first calculate the proportionality constant k as 8 from the given values. We then use this constant to find that x equals 0.4 when y is 3.2.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two quantities are directly proportional, it implies that as one quantity increases, the other quantity increases at a constant rate. This relationship can be expressed with the formula y = kx, where k is the proportionality constant. In this problem, we were given that when x = 20, y = 160, which allows us to find the value of k by rearranging the formula to k = y/x. After calculating k, we can then determine the value of x when y = 3.2 using the same formula, substituting k and the new value for y.
Let's solve for k first:
k = y/x = 160/20 = 8
Now we can use k to find x when y = 3.2:
y = kx -> 3.2 = 8x
x = 3.2/8 = 0.4
Therefore, the value of x when y = 3.2 is 0.4.