Question

The variables x and y vary inversely. If x = 5 when y = 12, then find the value of x when y = 32.
A. 33
B. 15/8
C. 60
D. 5/12

Answer 1

Since "x" and "y" vary inversely, we have:

xy = k -> (5)(12) = k -> k = 60

xy = 60 -> (x)(32) = 60 -> x = 60/32 = 15/8

Answer 2

so jsut multiply x times y ?

Answer 3

Yes. If the variance was direct, you would then have:

y = kx

Good luck to you in all of your studies and thx for the recognition! @Joshuam1

Answer 4

Thank you for that help I have some other questions that are kind of similar

Answer 5

The reason you have:

xy = k

for inverse variance is that when x gets bigger, y gets smaller, to give the same "k".

Answer 6

np, just start a new thread.

Answer 7

oh okay, makes sense