Constant of Variation

Direct Variation

In a direct variation, the constant of variation k represents the ratio of two variables. The ratio remains unchanged when the variables x and y change. y/x=k, [0.7em] where x≠ 0 and y≠ 0 When the variable y is isolated on the left-hand side, the constant of variation k defines the slope of the line through the origin that represents the relationship between x and y. y/x=k ⇔ y=kx

Inverse Variation

In an inverse variation, the constant of variation k is the product of two variables. The product remains the same when the variables x and y change. xy=k, [0.7em] where x≠ 0 and y≠ 0