Math Problem Statement

If x varies directly as y and inversely as z, and x = 14 when y = 7 and z = 2, find x when z = 4 and y = 16.

Solution

The problem states that xx varies directly as yy and inversely as zz, which can be written as:

x=kyzx = k \frac{y}{z}

where kk is the constant of proportionality.

Step 1: Find the constant kk

We are given that x=14x = 14, y=7y = 7, and z=2z = 2. Substituting these values into the equation:

14=k7214 = k \frac{7}{2}

Solving for kk:

14=k×3.5    k=143.5=414 = k \times 3.5 \implies k = \frac{14}{3.5} = 4

So, the constant k=4k = 4.

Step 2: Find xx when y=16y = 16 and z=4z = 4

Now that we have k=4k = 4, we substitute y=16y = 16 and z=4z = 4 into the equation:

x=4164=4×4=16x = 4 \frac{16}{4} = 4 \times 4 = 16

Thus, x=16x = 16 when y=16y = 16 and z=4z = 4.


Would you like more details or further clarification?

Here are 5 related questions for practice:

  1. If xx varies directly as y2y^2 and inversely as zz, how would the formula change?
  2. What would happen to xx if zz were doubled and yy stayed the same?
  3. How would you find xx if z=0z = 0?
  4. If y=12y = 12 and z=3z = 3, and k=5k = 5, what is xx?
  5. How can you interpret direct and inverse variation in terms of graphs?

Tip: Inverse variation means that as one variable increases, the other decreases, while direct variation means both increase or decrease together.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Direct Variation
Inverse Variation
Proportionality

Formulas

x = k * (y / z)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10