SOLUTION: If y varies inversely as x, and y=18 when x=3, find y when x = 8. y=____(simplify your answer.)

Algebra ->  Inverses -> SOLUTION: If y varies inversely as x, and y=18 when x=3, find y when x = 8. y=____(simplify your answer.)       Log On


   

Question 751191: If y varies inversely as x, and y=18 when x=3, find y when x = 8.
y=____(simplify your answer.)
Found 2 solutions by nerdybill, tommyt3rd:
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If y varies inversely as x, and y=18 when x=3, find y when x = 8.
y=____(simplify your answer.)
.
Inverse variation:
y = k/x
using:y=18 when x=3 we can find k:
18 = k/3
54 = k
.
our equation:
y = 54/x
now we can answer:find y when x = 8
y = 54/8
y = 6.75

Answer by tommyt3rd(5050) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If y varies inversely as x means: y=k/x
and y=18 when x=3, leads us to: 18=k/3 (so k=54)
so when x = 8, y=54/8=27/4

:)