Topic: Variation (Direct, Inverse and Joint Variation)
Class: SS1 Subject: Mathematics
■ Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
● Define and identify direct, inverse and joint variation.
● Write the mathematical relationship (law) connecting variables.
● Find the constant of proportionality k.
● Solve problems involving direct, inverse and joint variation.
SECTION 1: DIRECT VARIATION
■ Definition
Direct variation means that as one quantity increases, the other quantity increases at the same
rate, and as one decreases, the other also decreases proportionally.
We say: “y varies directly as x” and write it as:
y∝x
y = kx (where k is the constant of variation / proportionality)
k=y/x (constant throughout the relationship)
Special forms of direct variation:
● y varies directly as the square of x: y = kx²
● y varies directly as the cube root of x: y = k³√x (i.e. y = k · x^(1/3))
● y varies directly as the square root of x: y = k√x
■ Worked Examples — Direct Variation
Worked Example 1:
Given y varies directly as x. When x = 3, y = 6. Calculate:
(a) y when x = 7.5
(b) x when y = 16.5
Worked Example 2:
The resistance R newtons to motion of a moving vehicle varies directly as the square of the
speed V km/hr. Write down the relationship between R and V. Given that R = 600 N and V = 20,
find the speed when resistance is 337.5 N.
Worked Example 3:
The mass of a space ship varies directly as the cube root of the length. When the length is 64 m,
the mass is 320 kg.
(a) Find the mass of a ship whose length is 27 m.
(b) Find the length of the ship whose mass measures 27,440 kg.
SECTION 2: INVERSE VARIATION
■ Definition
Inverse variation means that as one quantity increases, the other quantity decreases
proportionally, and vice versa.
We say: “y varies inversely as x” and write it as:
y ∝ 1/x
y = k/x (where k is the constant of variation)
k = xy (constant throughout the relationship)
Special forms of inverse variation:
● y varies inversely as the square of x: y = k/x²
● y varies inversely as the square root of x: y = k/√x
● y varies inversely as the cube of x: y = k/x³
■ Worked Examples — Inverse Variation
Worked Example 1:
Given that y varies inversely as the square of x. When y = 8, x = 2.
(a) Find the equation connecting y and x.
(b) Calculate the value of y when x = 6.
(c) Calculate the value of x when y = 1/2.
Worked Example 2:
The volume of water V which a hollow pipe can pump from a well to an overhead tank varies
inversely as the distance d between the well and the tank. When the distance is 1.5 m, the
volume of water pumped is 40 m³.
(a) Find the law connecting volume V and distance d.
(b) Find the volume when distance is 20 m.
SECTION 3: JOINT VARIATION
■ Definition
Joint variation occurs when a quantity varies with respect to two or more other quantities —
some directly and some inversely — at the same time.
Example: y varies directly as a and inversely as b²:
y ∝ a/b² ⟹ y = ka/b²
General rule: write all direct variables in the numerator,
all inverse variables in the denominator.
Then introduce the constant k.
■ Worked Examples — Joint Variation
Worked Example 1:
y varies directly as d and inversely as the square of x. When d = 30, x = 24 and y = 1/18.
(a) Find the law connecting the variables.
(b) Find y when d = 5 and x = 2.
Worked Example 2:
The heat in units H produced by a battery current is directly proportional to the time t and
inversely proportional to the square of voltage v and inversely proportional to resistance R.
When H = 120, t = 2, v = 24 and R = 80.
(i) Find H when t = 3/2, v = 120 and R = 60.
Worked Example 3:
The force F needed to stop a car varies directly as its weight W and the square root of the
velocity V, and inversely proportional to the distance d travelled.
Given that F = 36 N, W = 120 kg, V = 100 km/hr and d = 50 km.
Calculate F when V = 256 km/hr, W = 200 kg and d = 80 km.
■ Summary
Type of Variation Symbol Equation Form
Direct (y and x) y∝x y = kx
Direct (y and x²) y ∝ x² y = kx²
Inverse (y and x) y ∝ 1/x y = k/x
Inverse (y and x²) y ∝ 1/x² y = k/x²
Joint (direct + inverse) y ∝ a/b² y = ka/b²
Key Reminder: Always find the constant k first before solving for unknown values.