Question

Assume that y varies inversely

with x. If y= 16 when x = 0.5,
find y when x = 32.
y=[? ]

Answer 1

1/4 (or .25)

Explanation:

y varies inversely with x, so

`y=(k)/(x)`

for some constant k. Use the given pair y = 16, x = 0.5 to find k.

`16=(k)/(0.5) \\ 16(0.5) = k \\ k=8`

Now, use x = 32 to find y that corresponds to it.

`y=(8)/(32) = (1)/(4)`