Question

Assume that y varies inversely with x. If y = 16 when x = 1/2, find y when x= 32.
y = [?]

Answer 1

y =
`(1)/(4)`

Explanation:

Given that y varies inversely with x then the equation relating them is

y =
`(k)/(x)` ← k is the constant of variation

To find k use the condition y = 16 when x =
`(1)/(2)`

k = yx = 16 ×
`(1)/(2)` = 8

y =
`(8)/(x)` ← equation of variation

When x = 32, then

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