How does inverse variation work? (STILL NEEDING HELP)

Question

phi · Answer

inverse variation means you have an equation
$$ y = \frac{k}{x} $$
where k is some constant

anonymous · Answer

What is differrent from a normal variation?

phi · Answer

direct variation means
$$ y = k x $$

phi · Answer

the difference is as x gets bigger in *direct variation*  y gets bigger
as x gets bigger in *inverse variation*, y gets smaller.

anonymous · Answer

so I just need a constant of variation that works in division instead?

anonymous · Answer

@phi  so to find the value k, I multiply x*y?

phi · Answer

If you know you have inverse variation  *and* you have an (x,y) pair, then you would use the x, y numbers in the equation
y = k/x
solving for k,   we get xy= k  or  k= x*y

so yes, if you have an (x,y) pair you can find k.