College

If [tex]x[/tex] varies directly as [tex]y[/tex], and [tex]x = 7.5[/tex] when [tex]y = 10[/tex], find [tex]x[/tex] when [tex]y = 4[/tex].

Answer :

To solve the problem where [tex]\( x \)[/tex] varies directly as [tex]\( y \)[/tex], we follow these steps:

1. Understand Direct Variation: If [tex]\( x \)[/tex] varies directly as [tex]\( y \)[/tex], it means there is a constant [tex]\( k \)[/tex] such that [tex]\( x = ky \)[/tex].

2. Find the Constant [tex]\( k \)[/tex]:
We are given that [tex]\( x = 7.5 \)[/tex] when [tex]\( y = 10 \)[/tex]. Using the direct variation equation:
[tex]\[
7.5 = k \times 10
\][/tex]
To find [tex]\( k \)[/tex], divide both sides by 10:
[tex]\[
k = \frac{7.5}{10} = 0.75
\][/tex]

3. Use the Constant to Find the New Value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
We need to find [tex]\( x \)[/tex] when [tex]\( y = 4 \)[/tex]. Substitute the values into the direct variation equation:
[tex]\[
x = 0.75 \times 4
\][/tex]

4. Calculate [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
x = 3.0
\][/tex]

So, the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] when [tex]\( y = 4 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 3 \)[/tex].