Direct Variation

y = kx
• Constant k is called the constant of
variation,
• y is said to vary directly with x.
• The graph of y=kx is a line thru the
origin.
• If x increases  y increases.
• If x decreases  y decreases.
 The variables x & y vary
directly, & y = 12 when x = 4.
Find y when x = 5.
Use x & y to find the constant of variation.
y=kx
12 = 4k
3=k
The direct variation equation is y = 3x
 In the same direct variation
equation, when x=5, find the value of
y.
y = 3x

y = 3*5
y = 15
 Practice
The variables x & y vary directly,
& y = 8 when x = 2.
Find y when x = 5.
Use x & y to find the constant of variation
y = kx
8 = 2k
4=k
The direct variation equation is y = 4x
 Practice
In the same direct variation
equation, when x=5, find the value of
y.

y = 4*5
y = 20
 Inverse Variation
(these functions are not linear but are called reciprocal
functions)

k y
k
y
k
y 2 x 3
x x
• “y varies inversely with x.”
• “y varies inversely with the square of x”
• “y varies inversely with the cube of x”
• k is the constant of variation
• Its graph is two curves either in
quadrant
 Ex: The variables x & y vary inversely, and
y=8 when x=3.
• Write an equation that
relates x & y.
k
y k
x use : y 
24 x
k y
8 x
3
k=24
• Find y when x= -4.
24
y
4
y= -6
 Practice
The variables x & y vary inversely, and y=6
when x=2.
• Write an equation that
relates x & y.
k
y k
x use : y 
12 x
k y
6 x
2
k=12
• Find y when x= -4.
12
y
4
y= -3
 Ex: Tell whether x & y show direct variation,
inverse variation, or neither.
4.8
a. xy=4.8 y
x

Inverse Variation
Hint: Solve the equation
for y and take notice of the
b. y=x+4
relationship.
Neither

y
c. x  y  1.5x
1.5
Direct Variation