Inverse Proportion Flashcards

A relationship where as one quantity increases, the other decreases in such a way that their product remains constant.

If y is inversely proportional to x, then y = k/x, where k is the constant of proportionality.

The constant value obtained by multiplying the two variables in an inverse proportion relationship (k = x × y).

The graph of an inverse proportion is a curve (a hyperbola) that approaches the axes but never touches them.

If y is inversely proportional to x and y = 4 when x = 3, then k = 4 × 3 = 12, so the equation is y = 12/x.

If y is inversely proportional to x and k = 20, then y = 20/x. For example, if x = 5, y = 20/5 = 4.

The time taken to complete a task is inversely proportional to the number of people working on it (assuming equal efficiency).

In direct proportion, as one quantity increases, the other increases. In inverse proportion, as one quantity increases, the other decreases.

Ensure that the units of the variables are consistent when solving inverse proportion problems.

To check if two quantities are inversely proportional, multiply them together. If the product is constant, they are inversely proportional.