IGCSE Revision Lesson 2

I can express direct and inverse variation in

algebraic terms
I can use algebra to find unknown quantities in
direct/inverse variation problems
I can increase and decrease a quantity by a
given ratio

Direct Proportion
x

12

10

24

Y is directly proportional to X.

That is, y = x multiplied by a

constant

y = kx

Take an example: 4 = 2k

k=2

So y = 2x

Direct Proportion
e.g. y is directly proportional to x.
When x = 2, y = 8. Find x when y = 10.

Direct Proportion
e.g. y is directly proportional to x2.
When x = 2, y = 16. Find x when y = 5.

Inverse Proportion
e.g. y is inversely proportional to x.
When x goes up, y goes down.

Inverse Proportion
e.g. y is inversely proportional to x2.
When x = 2, y = 1. Find y when x = 1.

Practice Questions
p60 Ex 3.5 q1-4 a, b, d

Using direct/inverse proportion to solve

problems
Mr. Jones wants to build a patio. It will take 3 men 72
hours to do it. How long will 5 men take?
Is this direct or inverse proportion?

Using direct/inverse proportion to solve

problems
The power (P) generated in an electrical circuit is
proportional to the square of the current (I) amps.
When P = 108, I = 6. Find I when P = 75.

Practice questions
p61-62 Q1-3

Increase and decrease by a given ratio

e.g. increase 200 by a ratio of 3:2
allow three parts for every two

Increase and decrease by a given ratio

e.g. decrease 210 by a ratio of 3:7

Increase and decrease by a given ratio

2:3

3:5

5:3

2:1

decrease

decrease

increase

increase

2:2

3:5

6:1

6:2

identity

decrease

increase

increase

Increase and decrease by a given ratio

This postcard is enlarged by 5:2. What
are the new dimensions?
16 cm
10 cm

Practice Questions
p60 Ex 3.5 q1-4 a, b, d
p61-62 Q1-3 Ex 3.7
p63 q1-4
See also
http://www.mymaths.co.uk/gold/proportion/pr
oportion.html