How do you find "k" if y varies inversely as x and if y=24 when x=3?

1 Answer
Apr 6, 2018

k = 72

Explanation:

Recall that the general form for inverse variation models is y = k/x. You may also write it as xy = k, which more clearly explains the name "inverse". When x is multiplied by some value, y must be divided by the same value, and vice-versa.

y = k/x

(color(red)3, color(red)24) lies on the curve. The equation must hold true for color(red)(x = 3) and color(red)y = 24.

color(red)24 = k/color(red)3

And isolating k:

72 = k