Chapter 5: Problem 38
For the following exercises, use the given information to find the unknown value. \(y\) varies jointly as \(x\) and \(z\) and inversely as \(w .\) When \(x=5, z=2,\) and \(w=20,\) then \(y=4 .\) Find \(y\) when \(x=3\) and \(z=8,\) and \(w=48\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \( y \) is 4.
Step by step solution
01
Set up the Joint and Inverse Variation Equation
Since the problem states that \( y \) varies jointly as \( x \) and \( z \), and inversely as \( w \), the relationship can be expressed as \( y = k \frac{xz}{w} \), where \( k \) is a constant of proportionality that we need to evaluate.
02
Insert Given Values to Find Constant k
Substitute \( x = 5 \), \( z = 2 \), \( w = 20 \), and \( y = 4 \) into the equation to find \( k \). This results in: \[ 4 = k \frac{5 \times 2}{20} \] This simplifies to: \[ 4 = k \frac{10}{20} = k \frac{1}{2} \] Then, solve for \( k \): \[ k = 4 \times 2 = 8 \]
03
Substitute New Values into the Equation
We now use the value of \( k \) we just found to solve for \( y \) using the new values. Substitute \( x = 3 \), \( z = 8 \), \( w = 48 \), and \( k = 8 \) into the equation: \[ y = 8 \frac{3 \times 8}{48} \] Simplifying the expression gives: \[ y = 8 \frac{24}{48} = 8 \times \frac{1}{2} \]
04
Calculate Final Value of y
Evaluate the expression from the previous step: \[ y = 8 \times \frac{1}{2} = 4 \] Thus, the value of \( y \) is 4.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Constant of Proportionality
In mathematics, when two variables are related in a way that one variable is a constant multiple of another, we describe the relationship using the term "constant of proportionality." This constant acts as a multiplier that scales one variable's effect on the other.
Consider a scenario with variables that exhibit joint and inverse variation. In this case, the constant of proportionality helps us express how these variables interact.
Consider a scenario with variables that exhibit joint and inverse variation. In this case, the constant of proportionality helps us express how these variables interact.
- For joint variation, where a variable varies directly with more than one variable, the expression is of the form: \( y = k \cdot xz \), meaning \( k \) is the constant that scales the product of \( x \) and \( z \).
- For inverse variation, the expression changes to: \( y = \frac{k}{w} \), indicating \( y \) reduces as \( w \) increases, modulated by \( k \).
Solving Equations
Solving equations involves finding the unknown values that satisfy a given mathematical expression. Let's take a deeper look at how we can solve equations involving joint and inverse variations.
Suppose you have the initial equation \( y = k \frac{xz}{w} \), where you need to determine the unknown constant \( k \). Here’s a step-by-step method to solve such equations:
Suppose you have the initial equation \( y = k \frac{xz}{w} \), where you need to determine the unknown constant \( k \). Here’s a step-by-step method to solve such equations:
- Plug in all known values into the equation. For initial conditions like \( x = 5 \), \( z = 2 \), \( w = 20 \), and \( y = 4 \), the equation becomes: \( 4 = k \frac{5 imes 2}{20} \).
- Simplify the equation to isolate \( k \). Continue by simplifying fractions or solving the basic math, in this case: \( \frac{10}{20} = \frac{1}{2} \), leading to \( 4 = k \frac{1}{2} \).
- Solve for \( k \) by clearing the isolation fraction or by performing arithmetic operations, here: \( k = 4 \times 2 = 8 \).
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are combinations of variables, numbers, and operations that form a mathematical sentence. Understanding algebra involves recognizing how these expressions can model real-world situations like joint and inverse variations.
Let's break down the expression used in such variations: The expression \( y = k \frac{xz}{w} \) represents both a joint and inverse relationship among variables and is a compact way to express complex interactions.
Let's break down the expression used in such variations: The expression \( y = k \frac{xz}{w} \) represents both a joint and inverse relationship among variables and is a compact way to express complex interactions.
- **Joint Variation:** The product \( xz \) within the expression indicates how \( y \) scales with the direct interaction of both \( x \) and \( z \).
- **Inverse Variation:** When \( w \) is in the denominator, it suggests how \( y \) will shrink or grow inversely with \( w \).
- **Manipulation of Components:** With algebraic expressions, you can re-arrange components to find unknowns, by multiplying or dividing to isolate specific variables. Note how solving for \( k \) or \( y \) followed this approach.