SOLUTION: y varies inversely with x. when x is 3.5, y is 1.5 what is the value of k, the constant of inverse variation?

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: y varies inversely with x. when x is 3.5, y is 1.5 what is the value of k, the constant of inverse variation?       Log On


   

Question 317250: y varies inversely with x. when x is 3.5, y is 1.5 what is the value of k, the constant of inverse variation?
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20063) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y varies inversely with x. 

That says 

y%22=%22k%2Fx

when x is 3.5, y is 1.5 

Plug those in:

1.5%22=%22k%2F3.5

what is the value of k, the constant of inverse variation? 

Solve for k.  Multiply both sides by 3.5

red%28%283.5%29%29%281.5%29%22=%22red%28%283.5%29%29%28k%2F3.5%29

red%28%283.5%29%29%281.5%29%22=%22red%28cross%28%283.5%29%29%29%28k%2Fcross%283.5%29%29

5.25%22=%22k

That's the answer. That means that the equation

y%22=%22k%2Fx

is really this

y%22=%225.25%2Fx

and that equation can now be used to find the value of y for 
any other value of x. 

Edwin