Direct & Inverse Proportions/Variations
In these lessons, we will learn how to solve direct proportions (variations) and inverse proportions (inverse variations) problems. (Note: Some texts may refer to inverse proportions/variations as indirect proportions/variations.)
Related Pages:
Direct Variations
Proportion Word Problems
More Algebra Lessons
The following diagram gives the steps to solve ratios and direct proportion word problems. Scroll down the page for examples and step-by-step solutions.
Direct Proportions/Variations
Two values x and y are directly proportional
to each other when the ratio x : y or
is a constant (i.e. always remains the same). This would mean that x and y will either increase together
or decrease together by an amount that would not change the ratio.
Knowing that the ratio does not change allows you to form an equation to find the value of an unknown variable.
Example:
If two pencils cost $1.50, how many pencils can you buy with $9.00?
Solution:
The number of pencils is directly proportional to the cost.
pencils.
How To Solve Directly Proportional Questions?
Example 1: F is directly proportional to x. When F is 6, x is 4. Find the value of F when x is 5.
Example 2: A is directly proportional to the square of B. When A is 10, B is 2. Find the value of A when B is 3.
How To Use Direct Proportion?
How To Solve Word Problems Using Proportions?
This video shows how to solve word problems by writing a proportion and solving
1. A recipe uses 5 cups of flour for every 2 cups of sugar. If I want to make a recipe using 8 cups of flour,
how much sugar do I use?
2. A syrup is made by dissolving 2 cups of sugar in 2/3 cups of boiling water. How many cups of sugar should
be used for 2 cups of boiling water?
3. A school buys 8 gallons of juice for 100 kids. how many gallons do they need for 175 kids?
Solving More Word Problems Using Proportions
1. On a map, two cities are 2 5/8 inches apart. If 3/8 inches on the map represents 25 miles, how far apart
are the cities (in miles)?
2. Solve for the sides of similar triangles using proportions
Inverse Proportions/Variations Or Indirect Proportions
Two values x and y are inversely proportional to each other when their product xy is a constant (always remains the same). This means that when x increases y will decrease, and vice versa, by an amount such that xy remains the same.
Knowing that the product does not change also allows you to form an equation to find the value of an unknown variable
Example:
It takes 4 men 6 hours to repair a road. How long will it take 8 men to do the job if they work at the same rate?
Solution:
The number of men is inversely proportional to the time taken to do the job.
Let t be the time taken for the 8 men to finish the job.
4 × 6 = 8 × t
24 = 8t
t = 3 hours
Usually, you will be able to decide from the question whether the values are directly proportional or inversely proportional.
How To Solve Inverse Proportion Questions?
This video shows how to solve inverse proportion questions. It goes through a couple of examples and ends with
some practice questions
Example 1: A is inversely proportional to B. When A is 10, B is 2. Find the value of A when B is 8
Example 2: F is inversely proportional to the square of x. When A is 20, B is 3. Find the value of F when x is 5.
How To Use Inverse Proportion To Work Out Problems?
How to use a more advanced form of inverse proportion where the use of square numbers is involved.
More examples to explain direct proportions / variations and inverse proportions / variations
How to solve Inverse Proportion Math Problems on pressure and volume?
In math, an inverse proportion is when an increase in one quantity results in a decrease in another quantity.
This video will show how to solve an inverse proportion math problem.
Example: The pressure in a piston is 2.0 atm at 25°C and the volume is 4.0L. If the pressure is increased to
6.0 atm at the same temperature, what will be the volume?
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