Question

If p and q vary inversely and p is 17 when q is 15, determine q when p is equal to 5

Answer 1

Explanation:

q = 51

Writing these statements symbolically, we get p = k/q. This is inverse variation.

Solving for k, we get k = pq. Thus the governing equation is k = pq, or k = (17)(15) = 255.

We then have a specific equation: p = 255/q, or q = 255/p.

If p is 5, q is q = 255/5 = 51