Proportion

Proportion
If a "is proportional" to b (which is the same as 'a is in direct proportion with b') then as b
increases, a increases. In fact, there is a constant number k with a = kb. We write a b if a is
proportional to b.
The value of k will be the same for all values of a and b and so it can be found b substitutin!
in values for a and b.
Example
If a b, and b = "# when a = $, find an e%uation connectin! a and b.
a = kb (")
&ubstitute the values of $ and "# into the e%uation to find k'
$ = "#k
so k = "()
substitute this into (")
a = *b
In this e+ample we mi!ht then be asked to find the value of a when b = ). ,ow that we have a
formula connectin! a and b (a = * b) we can subsitute b=) to !et a = ".
&imilarl, if m is proportional to n), then m = kn) for some constant number k.
If + and are in direct proportion then the !raph of a!ainst + will be a strai!ht line.

Inverse Proportion (HIGHER TIER)
If a and b are inversel proportionall to one another,
a "(b
therefore a = k(b
In these e+amples, k is known as the constant of variation.
Example
If b is inversel proportional to the s%uare of a, and when a = -, b = ", find the constant of
variation.
b = k(a) when a = -,
b = "
therefore " = k(-)
therefore k = .
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