Course Glossary

Writing an Inverse Variation Equation

Problem Set IconA student with a lap top taking noted at a desk.Using your knowledge of writing an inverse variation equation, solve each problem shown below. Follow the instructions for each portion, answer all of the questions, and make sure to show all of your work.

This activity is available below or in a printable document.

For Problem 1: Answer the question.

  1. When given an inverse variation, how do you find k?

For Problems 2-5: Write an equation to represent each inverse variation.

  1. {(3.5, 10),(5, 7),(14, 2.5)}

  2. y = −15 when x = 6


  3. x y
    −4.5 −14
    6 10.5
    7 9

  4. {(-2, 56),(4, 28),(7, 16)}


For Problems 6-8: Determine if the equations represent an inverse variation. Explain your reasoning.

  1. y = x + 7

  2. 14 = xy

  3. x = −8/y

For Problems 9-10: Read the scenarios and answer the questions.

  1. The theater club of a local high school is planning a production. The amount of time t needed to assemble the set is inversely proportional to the number people n working. Twelve people can assemble the set in 5 hours.

    Write an equation to represent the situation.

  2. Refer to Example 2 in the Writing an Inverse Variation Equation interactivity. Show an alternate strategy that can be used to determine the solution.

Assignment Icon
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