Question

The cost of a package of ground beef (y) is directly proportional to its weight in ounces (x). A 14-ounce package costs $7. Write a direct variation equation to represent this situation.

Answer 1

`y = (1)/(2)x`

Explanation:

The standard equation of direct variation is

y = kx

where k = constant of variation

We start with

y = kx

Since we are give one ordered pair, we use its coordinates for x and y, and we solve for k. We are told that when x = 14 ounces, y = $7.

7 = k * 14

k = 7/14

k = 1/2

Now that we know k = 1/2, we can write the direct variation equation:

`y = (1)/(2)x`