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Direct and inverse proportion - EduqasDirect and inverse proportion

Proportion is used to show how quantities and amounts are related to each other. The amount that quantities change in relation to each other is governed by proportion rules.

Part of MathsRatio, proportion and rates of change

Direct and inverse proportion

Direct proportion

There is a direct proportion between two values when one is a multiple of the other. For example, \(1 \:\text{cm} = 10 \:\text{mm}\). To convert cm to mm, the is always 10. Direct proportion is used to calculate the cost of petrol or exchange rates of foreign money.

The symbol for direct proportion is \(\propto\).

The statement 鈥榯 is directly proportional to r鈥 can be written using the symbol:

\(t \propto r\)

If \(y = 2p\) then \(y\) is proportional to \(p\) and \(y\) can be calculated for \(p = 7\):

\(y = 2 \times 7 = 14\)

Similarly, if \(y = 60\) then \(p\) can be calculated:

\(60 = 2p\)

To find \(p\), divide 60 by 2:

\(60 \div 2 = 30\)

Direct proportion - Higher

Proportionality can be used to set up an .

There are four steps to do this:

  1. write the proportional relationship
  2. convert to an equation using a constant of proportionality
  3. use given information to find the constant of proportionality
  4. substitute the constant of proportionality into the equation

Example

The value \(e\) is directly proportional to \(p\). When \(e = 20\), \(p = 10\). Find an equation relating \(e\) and \(p\).

  1. \(e \propto p\)
  2. \(e = kp\)
  3. \(20 = 10k\) so \(k = 20 \div 10 = 2\)
  4. \(e = 2p\)

This equation can now be used to calculate other values of \(e\) and \(p\).

If \(p = 6\) then, \(e = 2 \times 6 = 12\).

Inverse proportion

If one value is inversely proportional to another then it is written using the proportionality symbol \(\propto\) in a different way. Inverse proportion occurs when one value increases and the other decreases. For example, more workers on a job would reduce the time to complete the task. They are inversely proportional.

The statement 鈥榖 is inversely proportional to m鈥 is written:

\(b \propto \frac{1}{m}\)

Equations involving inverse proportions can be used to calculate other values.

Using: \(g = \frac{36}{w}\) (so \(g\) is inversely proportional to \(w\)).

If \(g = 8\) then find \(w\).

\(8 = \frac{36}{w}\)

\(w = \frac{36}{8} = 4.5\)

Similarly, if \(w = 6\), find \(g\).

\(g = \frac{36}{6}\)

\(g = 6\)

Inverse proportion - Higher

Proportionality can be used to set up an equation.

There are four steps to do this:

  1. write the proportional relationship
  2. convert to an equation using a constant of proportionality
  3. use given information to find the constant of proportionality
  4. substitute the constant of proportionality into the equation

Example

If \(g\) is inversely proportional to w and when \(g = 4\), \(w = 9\), then form an equation relating \(g\) to \(w\).

  1. \(g \propto \frac{1}{w}\)
  2. \(g = k \times \frac{1}{w} = \frac{k}{w}\)
  3. \(4 = \frac{k}{9}\) so \(k = 4 \times 9 = 36\)
  4. \(g = \frac{36}{w}\)

This equation can be used to calculate new values of \(g\) and \(w\).

If \(g = 8\) then find \(w\).

\(8 = \frac{36}{w}\)

\(w = \frac{36}{8} = 4.5\)

Similarly, if \(w = 6\), find \(g\).

\(g = \frac{36}{6}\)

\(g = 6\)