Direct and Inverse Variations

Direct Variation
When we talk about a direct variation, we are talking about a relationship where as x increases, y increases or decreases at a CONSTANT RATE.

Direct Variation
Direct variation uses the following formula:

y1 y 2 x1 x 2

Direct Variation
example: if y varies directly as x and y = 10 as x = 2.4, find x when y =15.

what x and y go together?

Direct Variation
If y varies directly as x and y = 10 find x when y =15.
y = 10, x = 2.4 make these y1 and x1 y = 15, and x = ? make these y2 and x2

Direct Variation
if y varies directly as x and y = 10 as x = 2.4, find x when y =15

10 15 2.4 x

Direct Variation
How do we solve this? Cross multiply and set equal.

10 15 2.4 x

Direct Variation
We get: 10x = 36 Solve for x by diving both sides by 10.

We get x = 3.6

Direct Variation
Lets do another.

If y varies directly with x and y = 12 when x = 2, find y when x = 8.

Set up your equation.

Direct Variation
If y varies directly with x and y = 12 when x = 2, find y when x = 8.

12 y 2 8

Direct Variation

12 y 2 8
Cross multiply: 96 = 2y Solve for y. 48 = y.

Inverse Variation
Inverse is very similar to direct, but in an inverse relationship as one value goes up, the other goes down. There is not necessarily a constant rate.

Inverse Variation
With Direct variation we Divide our xs and ys. In Inverse variation we will Multiply them. x1y1 = x2y2

Inverse Variation
If y varies inversely with x and y = 12 when x = 2, find y when x = 8.

x1y1 = x2y2 2(12) = 8y 24 = 8y y=3

Inverse Variation
If y varies inversely as x and x = 18 when y = 6, find y when x = 8. 18(6) = 8y 108 = 8y y = 13.5