Question

The frequency, or pitch, of a musical note varies inversely with the wavelength. The speed of sound, 340.2 meters per second, is the constant of variation.

An “A” note in octave 5, has a frequency of 880 Hertz. What is the wavelength of the sound made by the tuner in meters?

Answer 1

The wave length = 0.387 meters

Explanation:

Remark

An inverse relationship is one of the variables is in the denominator of a fraction and the other is given on the other side of the equal sign. It sounds more complicated than it is. Here's that long sentence broken down to 3 letters.

f = k/w

Formula

f = k/w

f is the frequency

k is the speed of sound

w is the wavelength

Givens

f = 880 Hz

k = 340.2 m/s

w = ?

Solution

f = k/w

880 = 340.2/ w Multiply both sides by w

880*w = w* 340.2 /w

880*w = 340.2 Divide by 880

w = 340.2/880

w = 0.387 m