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Inverse Variation
Inverse Proportion
Inversely Proportional

A relationship between two variables in which the product is a constant. When one variable increases the other decreases in proportion so that the product is unchanged.

If b is inversely proportional to a, the equation is of the form b = k/a (where k is a constant).

 

Equation: y = 60/x

y is inversely proportional to x.

Doubling x causes y to halve. The product of x and y is always 60.

x y
3 20
6 10
12 5

 

 

See also

Direct variation, joint variation, gravity

 


  this page updated 15-jul-23
Mathwords: Terms and Formulas from Algebra I to Calculus
written, illustrated, and webmastered by Bruce Simmons
Copyright © 2000 by Bruce Simmons
All rights reserved
NCTM Web Bytes December 2004 Web Bytes March 2005 Web Bytes