MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

SECONDARY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

SEPTEMBER 2020/2021
GRADE 10 SUBJECT: MATHEMATICS
WEEK 1
LESSON #1
TOPIC: Algebra
SUB-TOPIC: Variation
OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
 represent direct and indirect variation symbolically
 solve problems involving direct and inverse variation
CONTENT:
Direct Variation
If y is directly proportional to x then we can write
y∝x
We say that y varies directly as x. This means that when x increases, then y will also increase by
a constant multiplier. And when x decreases then y will also decrease by a constant multiplier.
NOTE

In everyday situations we come across many examples of direct

variation. For example:

a) If the cost of a book is $25, then the cost of x books is

$25x. Hence we say that the total cost of the books is
directly proportional to x
b) The area of a circle is directly proportional to its radius
squared. Since A =πr² then A∝ r² where π is the
constant of proportion
c) The volume of a sphere is directly proportional to its
radius cubed. Since V = 4 πr3 then V∝ r3
3
where 4 π
3
Is the constant of proportion.
Example 1:
If y is directly proportional to x, and y = 10 when x = 2.5 determine the value of:
(a) The constant of proportion, a
(b) y when y = 20
(c) x when x = 1.25

Solution
(a) since y∝ x
then y = a∝
Given that y = 10 when x = 2.5
Then 10= a(2.5)
So the constant, a = 10
2.5
Thus y = ax = 4x
Hence the constant of proportion a is 4

(b) When y = 20
Then y = 4x becomes
20 = 4x
So x = 20 = 5
4
Hence x = 5 when y = 20

(c) When x = 1.25

Then y = 4x = 4 × 1.25 = 5
Hence x = 1.25 when y = 5
Example 2:
The area of a circle varies directly as the square of its radius. If the area of a circle of radius 7cm
is 154cm²calculate:
(a) The area of a circle of radius 14cm
(b) The radius of a circle of area 38.5 cm²

Solution
(a) Since A ∝ r²
Then A = ar²
Given that A = 154cm² when r = 7cm
Then 154 = (7) ² = 49a
So the constant a = 154 = 22
49 7
And A= 22(14) ²
7
= 22 × 14×14
7
= 616cm²
Hence the area of the circle of radius 14cm is 616 cm²

(b) When A = 38.5cm² and a =22

7
Then A =ar² becomes

38.5 = 22 r²
7
So r² = 38.5 × 7 = 12.25
22
r = √12.25 = 3.5cm

Hence the area of the circle of area 38.5cm² is 3.5cm

Inverse Variation
If y is directly proportional to 1/x then we can write,
y∝ 1\x
The inverse of x is 1\x
So we can say that, if y is inversely proportional to x, then we can write,
y∝ 1\x
We say that y varies inversely as x. That is, when x increases then y will decrease. And when y
decreases then x will increase.
NOTE

In everyday situations we come across many

examples of inverse variation. For example

(a) In circular motion, the acceleration is

inversely proportional to the radius of the
circle described, provided the velocity is
constant.
Since a = v2 then a ∝1 where v2 is the
r r
constant of proportion

(b) The current conducted in a wire is

inversely proportional to the
resistance of the wire, provided the
voltage applied is constant
Since I = V then I ∝I
R R
Where V is the constant of proportion

Example 1
If y is inversely proportional to x, and y = 3 when x = 6, determine the value of:
(a) The constant of proportion , a
(b) x when y = 6
(c) y when x = 1.5

Solution
(a) Since y ∝1
x
ten y=a
x

Given that y = 3 when x = 6

Then 3= a
6

So the constant, a = 3 x 6 = 18

Thus y = a = 18
x x
 Hence the constant of proportion, a is 18

(b) When y=6

Then y = 18 becomes
x
6 = 18
x
So x = 18 = 3
6
Hence x = 3 when y = 6

(c) When x = 1.5

Then y= 18 = 18 = 12
x 1.5

Hence x = 1.5 when y = 12

REFERENCE:
Raymond Toolsie, Mathematics: A Complete Course With CXC Questions Volume One.
Pages 318 – 320