Math resources Ratio and proportion

Proportion

Direct variation

Direct variation

Here you will learn about direct variation, including the constant of variation, the equation that represents direct variation, and interpreting the graphs of direct variation.

Students first learn about proportional relationships on a graph in the 6th grade with ratio tables in ratios and proportional relationships.

What is direct variation?

Direct variation is a proportional relationship between the x -coordinate (an independent variable) and the y -coordinate (a dependent variable), where the ratio between the x -coordinate and the y -coordinate is constant.

Direct variation is represented algebraically by the equation,

Direct Variation image 1

Direct variation is represented graphically by a line that goes through the origin.

Direct Variation image 2

Let’s look at some examples,

The equation y=\cfrac{1}{6} \, x represents direct variation. What is the constant of variation?

The constant of variation is represented by k in the equation y=kx.

So in this case, \, \cfrac{1}{6} \, is the constant of variation.

k=\cfrac{1}{6}

You can use a graph to determine the constant of variation.

For example, use the graph to find the constant of variation.

Direct Variation image 3.1

The line goes through the origin and also contains the points of (2, 3) and (4, 6).

To find the constant of variation or the constant of proportionality you can write the ratio of the points in the form of \, \cfrac{y}{x} \, because k=\cfrac{y}{x} .

Choosing the point (2, 3) the ratio is \, \cfrac{3}{2} \, which means that k=\cfrac{3}{2} .

The constant of variation, k, can also be found by counting the units from one point to the next. You can see that from (0, 0) to (2, 3) you moved to the right 2 units and up 3 units, and from points (2, 3) to (4, 6) the same movement occurred.

Direct Variation image 3

The constant movement from one point to the next is also called the constant rate of change.

What is direct variation?

What is direct variation?

Common Core State Standards

How does this relate to grade 7 math and grade 8 math?

  • Grade 7 – Ratios and Proportional Relationships (7.RP.A.2.b)
    Identify the constant of proportionality (unit rate) in tables, graphs, equations, diagrams, and verbal descriptions of proportional relationships.

  • Grade 7 – Ratios and Proportional Relationships (7.RP.A.2.c)
    Represent proportional relationships by equations.

  • Grade 8 – Expressions and Equations (8.EE.B.5)
    Graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Compare two different proportional relationships represented in different ways.

[FREE] Common Core Practice Test Grade 7

[FREE] Common Core Practice Test Grade 7

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[FREE] Common Core Practice Test Grade 7

[FREE] Common Core Practice Test Grade 7

[FREE] Common Core Practice Test Grade 7

Prepare for your state math test with this Grade 7 practice assessment for Common Core!

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How to use direct variation

In order to find the constant of variation from an equation:

  1. Compare the equation to \textbf{y = kx} to determine the value of \textbf{k} .
  2. Write the value of \textbf{k} .

In order to find the constant of variation from a graph:

  1. Select a point.
  2. Write the point as a ratio in the form of \cfrac{\textbf{y}}{\textbf{x}} \, .
  3. Write the value of \textbf{k} .

In order to find the equation of direct variation from a point:

  1. Select a point and define the \textbf{x} value and the \textbf{y} value.
  2. Substitute the values into the equation \textbf{y = kx} to find \textbf{k} .
  3. Solve for \textbf{k} .
  4. Write the equation of direct variation.

Direct variation examples

Example 1: find the constant of variation from an equation

What is the constant of variation in the equation y=\cfrac{3}{5} \, x ?

  1. Compare the equation to \textbf{y = kx} to determine the value of \textbf{k} .

Comparing the equation y=\cfrac{3}{5} \, x to y=kx , you can see that \, \cfrac{3}{5} \, represents the constant of variation.

2Write the value of \textbf{k} .

k=\cfrac{3}{5}

Example 2: find the constant of variation from an equation

What is the constant of variation in the equation y=-6x?

Compare the equation to \textbf{y = kx} to determine the value of \textbf{k} .

Write the value of \textbf{k} .

Example 3: find the constant of variation from a graph

Use the graph to find the constant of variation.

Direct Variation example 3

Select a point.

Write the point as a ratio in the form of \, \cfrac{\textbf{y}}{\textbf{x}} \, .

Write the value of \textbf{k} .

Example 4: find the constant of variation from a graph

Use the graph to find the constant of variation.

Select a point.

Write the point as a ratio in the form of \, \cfrac{\textbf{y}}{\textbf{x}} \, .

Write the value of \textbf{k} .

Example 5: finding the equation of direct variation

If x varies directly with y, find the equation of direct variation from the point (7, 3).

Select a point and define the \textbf{x} value and the \textbf{y} value.

Substitute the values into the equation \textbf{y = kx} to find \textbf{k} .

Solve for \textbf{k} .

Write the equation of direct variation.

Example 6: finding the equation of direct variation

The graph represents a direct variation. Find the equation.

Direct Variation example 6

Select a point and define the \textbf{x} value and the \textbf{y} value.

Substitute the values into the equation \textbf{y = kx} to find \textbf{k} .

Solve for \textbf{k} .

Write the equation of direct variation.

Teaching tips for direct variation

  • Reinforce to students that the common ratio of points is the constant of proportionality which is the constant of variation k.

  • Using digital graphing platforms such as Desmos or actual graphing calculators helps students make connections between the visual representation of direct variation and the equation that represents the direct variation.

  • Create situations where students can connect the constant of variation with the slope of the line or the constant rate of change of the line.

  • Use real life direct variation word problems and graphs for students to analyze and see the relevance of the concept in the world around them.

  • Although practice worksheets help students practice skills, focus on making the math relevant to their everyday lives.

  • Through discovery based activities and questioning strategies, lead students to think about the direct variation equation, y=kx, where the constant of variation is the constant rate of change, which will eventually be the slope, and the origin is the y -intercept.

Easy mistakes to make

  • Thinking that the constant of variation has to be positive
    The constant of variation, k, can be positive or negative. k is the ratio of the y -coordinate to the x -coordinate.

  • Thinking that the line that represents direct variation does not have to go through the origin
    Direct variation is a linear, proportional relationship, which means it must pass through the origin. If the line does not pass the origin, it is not a representation of direct variation.

  • Substituting the \textbf{x} -coordinate in for the \textbf{y} -coordinate and vice versa
    When you are given a point and need to find the equation of direct variation, substitute the x -coordinate in for the x value and the y -coordinate for the y -value.
    For example, (6, 3)

    Direct Variation image 4

Practice direct variation questions

1. What is the constant of variation of the equation, y=-7x?

-7
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{-1}{7}
GCSE Quiz False

7
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{7}
GCSE Quiz False

The equation y=-7x compared to y=kx, shows that -7 represents the constant of variation. k=-7

2. What is the constant of variation from the graph?

 

Direct Variation practice question 2 image 1

\cfrac{9}{2}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{-9}{2}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{2}{9}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{-2}{9}
GCSE Quiz False

From the graph you can see that the line passes through (0, 0) and (9, 2).

 

Using the point (9, 2) , the ratio of the point in the form of \, \cfrac{y}{x} \, is \, \cfrac{2}{9} \, .

 

Another way to interpret the constant of variation is to count from the origin to the point (9, 2).

 

Direct Variation practice question 2 image 2

 

9 units right and 2 units up is the constant rate of \, \cfrac{2}{9} .

3. What is the constant rate of change of the direct variation graph?

 

Direct Variation practice question 3 image 1

\cfrac{-4}{1}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{8}{1}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{4}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{4}{1}
GCSE Quiz True

The constant rate of change is the constant of variation or the constant of proportionality.

 

Looking at the graph, the line passes through the points (0, 0), (1, 4) , and (2, 8).

 

Selecting the point (1, 4) , the ratio of the point in the form of \, \cfrac{y}{x} \, is \, \cfrac{4}{1} \, .

 

You can also count the movement from one point to the next to find the constant rate of change.

 

Direct Variation practice question 3 image 2

 

1 unit right and 4 units up \, \cfrac{4}{1} .

4. A rabbit can hop at top speed 6 miles in 10 minutes. This represents a proportional relationship as shown in the graph below. How long will it take the same rabbit to hop 12 miles at the same speed?

 

Direct Variation practice question 4 image 1

\cfrac{5}{3} \; minutes
GCSE Quiz False

20 \; minutes
GCSE Quiz True

12 \; minutes
GCSE Quiz False

25 \; minutes
GCSE Quiz False

The point (6, 10) represents the rabbit hopping 6 miles in 10 minutes. Where x represents the distance and y represents the time.

 

Looking at the points, you can see that the coordinate (12, 20) represents 12 miles in 20 minutes.

 

Another way to do it is to find the constant of variation.

 

The constant of variation is \, ​​\cfrac{10}{6} \, which can be simplified to be \, \cfrac{5}{3} \, .

 

To find how long it will take the rabbit to hop 12 miles you can multiply 12 \times \cfrac{5}{3}=20 or use the graph and count out the constant of variation 5 units up and 3 units right until you get to the point where 12 is the x -coordinate.

 

Direct Variation practice question 4 image 2

5. If x and y vary directly, find the equation of direct variation that contains the point (2, 8).

y=4 x
GCSE Quiz True

y=\cfrac{1}{4} x
GCSE Quiz False

y=8 x
GCSE Quiz False

y=-4 x
GCSE Quiz False

Using the direct variation equation y=kx and the given point, (2, 8), you can substitute x with 2 and y with 8.

 

8=k(2) and then solve for k.

 

\begin{aligned} &8=k(2)\\\\ &\cfrac{8}{2}=\cfrac{k \, (2)}{2} \\\\ &4=k \end{aligned}

 

Since k=4, the equation will be y=4 x .

6. If x and y vary directly, find the equation of direct variation that contains the point (-6, 12).

y=\cfrac{-1}{4} \, x
GCSE Quiz False

y=2 x
GCSE Quiz False

y=\cfrac{1}{2} x
GCSE Quiz False

y=-2 x
GCSE Quiz True

Using the direct variation equation y=kx and the given point, (-6, 12), you can substitute x with -6 and y with 12.

 

12=k \cdot(-6) and then solve for k.

 

\begin{aligned} & 12=k(-6) \\\\ & \cfrac{12}{-6}=\cfrac{k \, (-6)}{-6} \\\\ & -2=k \end{aligned}

 

Since k=-2, the equation will be y=-2 k .

Direct variation FAQs

Do all direct variation equations contain the point (0, 0) ?

Yes, when you graph direct variation equations, they will go through the origin because direct variation equations are proportional.

What is the difference between direct variation and inverse variation?

Direct variation represents a direct proportion between the x variable and the y variable. When the x increases, the y increases, and vice versa.

The graph of a direct variation equation is a straight line that passes through the origin. With inverse variation, when the x increases, the y decreases, and vice versa. The graph of inverse variation is a curve.

Is the constant of variation the same as the constant rate of change of a linear equation?

Yes, the constant of variation represents the proportional relationship between x and y , where the vertical and horizontal movement from one point to the next is the same.

The constant rate of change of a line is the vertical and horizontal movement from one point to the next. In algebra, the constant rate of chance of a linear equation is the slope of a line.

Can the constant of variation be a decimal in the direct variation formula?

Yes, the constant of variation can be a decimal or a fractional number.

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