Friday, October 5, 2012

Direct Variation in Math

Introduction to direct variation in math
This topic has more influence in our day today life. It represents the change of a variable with respect to the other or others. If there is an increase in two related variables, it is called the direct variation.

Example:

A person wages can be decided based on the number of hours they work. If they work for more number of hours, the wages will be more.  If w represents the total wages, k the wage for an hour and h representing the number of hours, then it can be related as follows: `w/h` = k

Therefore the total wages is given by: w = kh.

Now let see few problems on this topic direct variation in math.

Examples on Direct Variation in Math

Ex 1: If w varies directly as h and given w = 125 and h = 25, find:

(i) the relation connecting w and h,

(ii) the value of w when h = 35,

(iii) the value of h when w = 250.

Sol: (i) Given: w ∞ h.

This implies, w = kh, where k is the constant of proportionality.

Therefore, when w = 125 and h = 25, we get:

w = kh

125 = k(25)

Therefore, k = `125/25` = 5.

Hence the equation is written as w = 5h.

(ii) When h = 35, w = 5(35)

= 175

Therefore, w = 175.

(iii) When w = 250, 250 = 5h

h = 250/5

h = 50.

Therefore, h = 50.

Ex 2: If s, the speed, varies directly as d, the distance and given s = 60 mph and d = 120 miles, find:

(i) the relation connecting s and d,

(ii) the value of s when d = 150,

(iii) the value of d when s = 45.

Sol: (i) Given: s ∞ d.

This implies, s = kd, where k is the constant of proportionality.

Therefore, when s = 60 and d = 120, we get:

s = kd

60 = k(120)

Therefore, k = 60/120 = 1/2.

Hence the equation is written as s = d/2.

(ii) When d = 150, s = ½(150)

= 75

Therefore, d = 75 mph.

(iii) When s = 45, 45 = ½ (d)

d = 2 * 45

d = 90.

Therefore, d= 90 miles.

More Example on Direct Variation in Math
Ex 3: The fare (F) of a taxi varies directly as the distance (D) travelled. If the distance is 50 km, the cost is $35. What will be the cost if the distance traveled is 125km?

Sol: Given: F ∞ D.

This implies that, F = kD

Therefore, when F = 35, D = 50, we have 35 = k(50)

K = 0.7.

Therefore, the equation can be written as F = 0.7D

Now, when D = 125km, F = 0.7× 125

= 87.5 dollars.

I hope the discussion on the direct variation would have been clear by now on going through those above examples.

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