Question

If z varies inversely as w, and z=3 when w=8, how do you find z when w=2?

Answer 1

With inverse proportions, find the value of the constant first!.
`z = 12`

Explanation:

Write what given as a mathematical statement:

`z prop 1/w " "` z is inversely proportional to w

`z = k/w " "` multiply by a constant to form an equation

`k = z xx w" "` find the value of the constant. `3 xx 8 = 24`

`:. z = 24/w" "` This is now the equation connecting z and w.

When `w = 2, z = 24/2 rArr z = 12`