Lesson 5-5

Direct Variation
Algebra I, Ms. Turk
 Definition: direct variation
A direct variation is a function in the
form y = kx where k does not equal 0.
Definition: constant of variation
The constant of variation is k,
the coefficient of x.
An equation is a direct variation if:

 its graph is a line that passes through zero, or

 the equation can be written in the form y = kx.

Is an Equation a Direct Variation?
If it is, find the constant of variation.

5x + 2y = 0 Solve for y.
1. Subtract 5x.
5 2. Divide by 2.
y  x
2
Yes, it’s a direct variation.
5
Constant of variable, k, is  2 .
Is an Equation a Direct Variation?
If it is, find the constant of variation.

5x + 2y = 9 Solve for y.
9  5x 1. Subtract 5x.
y
2 2. Divide by 2.
5
y  4.5  x
2
No, it’s not a direct variation.
It’s not in the form y = kx.

Is an Equation a Direct Variation?
If it is, find the constant of variation.
7y = 2x
2
y x
7
Yes, it is a direct variation.
2
The constant of variation, k, is .
7


 Writing an Equation Given a Point
Write an equation of the direct variation that
includes the point (4, -3).
y = kx Start with the function form of the direct variation.

-3 = k(4) Substitute 4 for x and -3 for y.

3
k  Divide by 4 to solve for k.
4
3
y  x
Substitute the value of k into the original formula. 4
 Writing an Equation Given a Point
Write an equation of the direct variation that
includes the point (-3, -6).
y = kx Start with the function form of the direct variation.

-6 = k(-3) Substitute -3 for x and -6 for y.

k 2 Divide by -3 to solve for k.

Substitute the value of k into the original formula. y  2x

 Real-World Problem Solving
Your distance from lightning varies
directly with the time it takes you to
hear thunder. If you hear thunder 10
seconds after you see the lightning,
you are about 2 miles from the
lightning. Write an equation for the
relationship between time and distance.
 Real-World Problem Solving
Relate:
The distance varies directly with the
time. When x = 10, y = 2.

Define:
Let x = number of seconds between
seeing lightning and hearing thunder.
Let y = distance in miles from lightning.
 Real-World Problem Solving
y = kx Use general form of direct variation.
2 = k(10) Substitute 2 for y and 10 for x.
1
k Solve for k.
5
1
Write an equation using the value for k. y x
5
 Real-World Problem Solving
A recipe for a dozen corn muffins
calls for 1 cup of flower. The number
of muffins varies directly with the
amount of flour you use. Write a
direct variation for the relationship
between the number of cups of flour
and the number of muffins.
Real-World Problem Solving
y = kx
12 = k(1)
k = 12
y = 12x
 Real-World Problem Solving
The force you must apply to lift an
object varies directly with the object’s
weight. You would need to apply 0.625
lb of force to a windlass to lift a 28-lb
weight. How much force would you
need to lift 100 lb?

Relate: A force of 0.625 lifts 28 lb.

What lifts 100 lb?
 Use a proportion.
0.625 n

28 100
Cross multiply. 28n = 62.5
Solve for n. n ≈ 2.2

You need about 2.2 lb of force to lift 100 lb.

 Real-World Problem Solving
Suppose a second windlass
requires 0.5 lb of force to lift
an object that weighs 32 lb.
How much force would you
need to lift 160 lb?
 Use a proportion.
0.5 n

32 160
Cross multiply. 32n = 80
Solve for n. n = 2.5

You need 2.5 lb of force to lift 160 lb.