Does the equation y = 3x represent a direct variation and if so, identify the constant of variation?

1 Answer
Feb 7, 2017

The constant is 3 or 1/3 depending on whether

you are comparing y with x , or x with y.

Explanation:

In a direct variation, as one quantity increases, the other increases at the same rate,so that the relationship between them is always constant.

y = 3x, means that y is always 3 times bigger than x.

x = 1/3y means that x is always one third of y

To find the constant of variation divide:

k = y/x In this case k = 3

Or

k=x/y in this case k = 1/3