Illustrates Situations that Involve Direct, Inverse, Joint, and
Combined Variations
Direct Variation or Direct Proportion: Direct variation is a relationship between two quantities,
x and y, where, as x increases y also increases or as y decreases, x also decreases and the ratio
between them is constant or the same for all given values of the variables. So if y varies directly
as x, then we say y = kx or 𝑘 = 𝑦/𝑥 and k is called the constant of variation.
r = d/t
Direct Variation
When one quantity increases, the other also increases at the same rate.
Formula:
y = kx
where k is the constant of variation.
Examples in real life:
- The cost of rice varies directly with the number of kilos bought.
- If 1 kg costs ₱50, then 2 kg costs ₱100, 3 kg costs ₱150, and so on.
- The distance traveled varies directly with time if speed is constant.
Inverse Variation
When one quantity increases, the other decreases so that their product is constant.
Formula:
y = k/x
Examples in real life:
- The time taken to finish a job varies inversely with the number of workers
(assuming equal work rate).
- More workers = less time needed.
- Speed and travel time: The faster you drive, the less time it takes to reach your
destination.
Joint Variation
When one quantity varies directly with two or more other quantities.
Formula:
y=kxz
where y varies jointly with x and z.
Examples in real life:
- The volume of a rectangular box varies jointly with its length, width, and height:
V=l×w×h
- The distance traveled varies jointly with speed and time.
Combined Variation
When a quantity varies directly with one (or more) quantities and inversely with another.
Formula (example):
y=kx/z
Examples in real life:
- The time it takes to complete a task varies directly with the amount of work and inversely
with the number of workers.
- The intensity of light varies directly with the power of the bulb and inversely with the
square of the distance from the source.
✍🏻Tip to Remember
Direct → both move the same way (↑↑ or ↓↓)
Inverse → opposite direction (↑↓)
Joint → depends on 2 or more factors
Combined → mix of direct and inverse