If a varies inversely as b, and a = 3 when b = 4 then what is the value of b when a = 48?

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Answer 1 · 2016-06-16T18:15:58

$b= 1/4$

This is an example of inverse proportion, or inverse variation.

To change a proportion into an equation, multiply by a constant and then use the values given to find the value of the constant.

$aprop 1/b rArr a = k/b rArr k = ab$

Find the value of k, using the a and b given.

$k= 3xx4 = 12$

So, $a = (12)/b " can also be written as " b = 12/a$

When $a = 48, " " b = (12)/(48) = 1/4$