5.

2 Direct Variation
Direct Variation: the relationship that can be
represented by a function if the form:
y = kx
Constant of variation: the constant variable K
is the coefficient of x on the y=kx equation.
Inverse variation: the relationship that can be
represented by the function:
𝒌
y=
𝒙
Joint Variation: the relationship that can be
represented by the function: y = kxz
Real World:
Identifying a Direct Variation:
If the equation can be written in y = kx we
have a direct variation.
Ex:
Does the equation represent a direct
variation?

a) 7y = 2x b) 3y + 4x = 8
Ex: (solution)
If we can writer the equation in y = kx we have
a direct variation.
a)___
7y = 2x
__ Inverse of Multiplication
7 7
𝟐 𝟐
y= x Equation is in y=kx with k=
𝟕 𝟕

b) 3y + 4x = 8 Isolate y, subtract 4x and

divide by 3
𝟒 𝟖
y=− x+ Equation is not in y=kx
𝟑 𝟑
WRITING DIRECT VARIATION EQUATIONS:
To write a direct variation equation we must
first find the constant of variation k using
ordered pairs given.
Ex:
Suppose y varies directly with x, and
y = 35 when x = 5. What direct
variation equation relates x and y?
What is the value of y when x = 9?
AGAIN: To write a direct variation equation we
must first find the constant of variation k using
ordered pairs given.
From the problem, we are given the following:
y = 35 when x = 5. That is: (5, 35)
Since we have “varies directly” we must
have an equation on the form:
y = kx
Using the equation and info given, we have:
35 = k(5)
k = 35/5 = 7
Once we know the constant of variation
(K = 7) we can now write the direct variation
equation as follows:
y = kx
y = 7x
We now go further and find the value of y
when x = 9 as follows:
y = 7x
y = 7(9)
Thus: y = 63 when x = 9.
YOU TRY IT:
Suppose y varies directly with x,
and y = 10 when x = -2. Write a
direct variation equation and find
the value of y when x = - 15.
YOU TRY IT (SOLUTION):
Given: y = 10, x = - 2
Varies Directly equation: y = kx
To find the constant of variation (k):
y = kx
10 = k(-2)
K=-5
Therefore our equation is: y = -5x
Using this equation to find y when x = -15
y = -5x
y = -5(-15)  y = 75.
Real World: Let’s solve it
Real World: Let’s solve it
Time (x) Distance (y)
10s 2 mi
15s 3 mi

Using the direct variation equation

and y = 2mi when x = 10s
y = kx
2 = k(10)
𝟐 𝟏
k= =
𝟏𝟎 𝟓
𝟏
Thus the direct variation eq: y = x
𝟓
GRAPHING DIRECT VARIATIONS:
To graph a direct variation equation we must
go back to tables:
Independent Equation F(x) Dependent Ordered Pair (x, y)
Variable(x) Variable (y)

Remember: the Independent variable(x) is

chosen by you if you are not given any x
values.
Ex:
Graph f(x) = -7x
Independent Equation Dependent Ordered
Variable(x) F(x) Variable (y) Pair (x, y)
-2 -7(-2) 14 (-2, 14)
-1 -7(-1) 7 (-1, 7)
0 -7(0) 0 (0, 0)
1 -7(1) -7 (1, -7)
2 -7(2) -14 (2, -14)

Now we must graph the ordered pairs (last

column)
Ordered
Pair (x, y)
(-2, 14)

(-1, 7)
(0, 0)
(1, -7)
(2, -14)

Y = -7x
YOU TRY IT:
Graph y = 2X
YOU TRY IT: (SOLUTION)
Graph y = 2x
Independent
Variable(x)
Equation Dependent Ordered
F(x) Variable (y) Pair (x, y)
-2 2(-2) -4 (-2, -4)
-1 2(-1) -2 (-1, -2)
0 2(0) 0 (0, 0)
1 2(1) 2 (1, 2)
2 2(2) 4 (2, 4)
Ordered
Pair (x, y)

(-2, -4) Y = 2x
(-1, -2)
(0, 0)
(1, 2)
(2, 4)
VIDEOS: Graphs

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/alge
bra-functions/direct_inverse_variation/v/direct-
and-inverse-variation

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/algeb
ra-
functions/direct_inverse_variation/v/recognizing-
direct-and-inverse-variation
Class Work:

Pages: 302-303

Problems: As many as
needed to master
the concept