Question

Does the equation represent a direct variation? If so, find the constant of variation.

5x = -3y

Answer 1

Yes it does but which according to the question is your independent variable.
If it is "x", then the variable y varies by
\[-\frac{ 5 }{ 3 }\] of x

Answer 2

x= -3/5*y and y=-5/3*x
are the variation constants
if you put x= m then y would be -5/3x same for both the variables :)