How to use the inverse variation formula - ACT Math
Card 0 of 4
varies inversely with 
. When 
, 
. What does 
equal when 
?
1. Use the given values of 
and 
to solve for 
:
2. Solve for 
when 
in the above equation:
1. Use the given values of
2. Solve for
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If 
, what is the value of 
?
If
To solve this algebraic equation, subtract 
from both sides, and then subtract 
from both sides.
We end up with the equation 
, for which the solution is:
To solve this algebraic equation, subtract
We end up with the equation
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In a given set of experiments, the values of two variables are always inversely proportional. If in the first experiment the first variable was 
and the second was 
, what could you expect the second variable to be if the first is 
in a later experiment?
In a given set of experiments, the values of two variables are always inversely proportional. If in the first experiment the first variable was
Recall that inverse variation means that when one variable increases, the other decreases. This gives you the following equation:
Now, for our data, we know:
You merely have to solve for 
:
Divide by 
:
Recall that inverse variation means that when one variable increases, the other decreases. This gives you the following equation:
Now, for our data, we know:
You merely have to solve for
Divide by
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Throughout a party, the number of joyful non-philosophers in a room is always inversely proportional to the number of philosophers in the room. The room begins with 
people, 
of whom are philosophers. Later in the day, there are 
philosophers in the room. How many joyful non-philosophers are at the party at the later time?
Throughout a party, the number of joyful non-philosophers in a room is always inversely proportional to the number of philosophers in the room. The room begins with
Recall that inverse variation means that when one variable increases, the other decreases. This gives you the following equation:
For our data, this means:
You merely need to solve for 
:
Recall that inverse variation means that when one variable increases, the other decreases. This gives you the following equation:
For our data, this means:
You merely need to solve for
Compare your answer with the correct one above