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Understanding Direct and Inverse Proportions

Ratio, proportion and rates • Ratio and proportion

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Direct proportion describes a relationship where one variable increases in relation to another.
  • For example, if the cost of apples is directly proportional to their weight, doubling the weight doubles the cost.
  • The equation for direct proportion can be expressed as y = kx, where k is a constant.
  • This relationship is graphically represented by a straight line through the origin.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

What do the graphs of y = kx and y = k/x represent?

Click to reveal answer

y = kx represents direct proportion (linear graph), and y = k/x represents inverse proportion (hyperbolic graph).

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Identify constant k in proportion equations

Graph direct proportions as straight lines

Recognize inverse proportions through hyperbolas

Apply proportional reasoning to solve real-life problems

Check compatibility of units when calculating proportions

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