Question

xy = –12. What is the constant of variation for this relationship?

Answer 1

Here's a hint: you have inverse variation, which can be expressed as \[xy = k\]where \(k\) is the constant of variation. It can also be expressed as \[y = \frac{k}{x}\]or \[x=\frac{k}{y}\]

What do you think the constant of variation is in this equation?

Answer 2

This is possibly the easiest problem you'll ever do :-)

Answer 3

i dont know

Answer 4

is it -12?

Answer 5

Yes.

Answer 6

Yes, -12 is the constant of variation. When someone says \(xy = k\), where \(k\) is the constant of variation, and your problem is \[xy = -12,\text{ what is the constant of variation?}\]it really shouldn't be too much of a stretch to arrive at the correct answer...

Answer 7

Wow, this makes way more sense! Thanks. :)