Math Lab

Inverse Proportion

Direct and Inverse Proportion · Class VIII

When x y = k, slide k and see y fall as x grows.

24
type a value
1100
4
type a value
120
Live values
  • y at sample6
  • Product x*y24
xy
  • y = k / x

Formulas in this lab

  • y at sample
    kx0\dfrac{k}{x_0}
  • Product x*y
    kk
Tip: In inverse proportion the product x times y is always the same number k.

Frequently asked questions

What is inverse proportion?

Two quantities are in inverse proportion if x*y = k, meaning when x doubles, y is halved. The product stays constant. For k = 24, if x = 4 then y = 6, and if x = 8 then y = 3.

How do I use the inverse proportion lab?

Slide k (1 to 100) and sample x. The lab shows y = k/x and confirms x * y is always k. Try k = 60 and x = 5 to see y = 12, with product 60.

Where is inverse proportion seen in Indian life?

Workers and days: if 4 painters paint a hall in 12 days, then 6 painters can finish it in 4 * 12 / 6 = 8 days. Here k = 48 (total man-days). The lab helps plan such tasks: more workers, fewer days.

Direct vs inverse: ratio vs product?

Direct proportion holds the ratio y/x constant; inverse proportion holds the product x*y constant. So in direct, doubling x doubles y; in inverse, doubling x halves y. The two labs side by side make this contrast obvious.