Algebra 36

Lesson 5
Ratio, Proportion and Variation

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson, the student is expected to be able to :

 Use ratio and proportion in solving problems involving them
 Identify the different types of variation
 Write equations of variations corresponding to each statement of
direct, inverse, joint and combined variations
 Solve different kinds of problems involving variations

5.1 Ratio

Definition 5.1.1 Ratio

A ratio is an indicated quotient of two quantities. Every ratio is a fraction

and all ratios can be described by means of a fraction. The ratio of x and y is
x x
written as x : y. it can also be represented as y . Thus, x : y = y .

Example 5.1.1 Express the following ratios as simplified fractions:

1
a) 5 : 20 ans.
4
x2
b) ( x 2  4 x  4) : ( x 2  2x  8) ans.
x4

Example 5.1.2 Write the following comparisons as ratios reduced to lowest

terms. Use common units whenever possible.

a) 4 students to 8 students ans. 1:2

b) 4 days to 3 weeks ans. 4 : 21
c) 5 feet to 2 yards ans. 5:6
d) About 10 out of 40 students took Math Plus ans. 1:4
Algebra 37

5.2 Proportion

Definition 5.2.1 Proportion

A proportion is a statement indicating the equality of two ratios. Thus,

x m x
 , m:n , x : y  m : n are proportions.
y n y

In the proportion x : y = m : n, x and n are called the extremes, y and m

are called the means. X and m are the called the antecedents, y and n are called
the consequents.

In the event that the means are equal, they are called the mean
proportional.

Example 5.2.1 Find the mean proportional of 225 : x  x : 25 .

ans. 75

Example 5.2.2 Determine the value of x in the following proportion:

a) 2 : 5 = x : 20 ans. 8
x 1
b)  ans. 4
20  x 4

5.3 Variation

Definition 5.3.1 Variation

A variation is the name given to the study of the effects of changes

among related quantities.

Remark:

Variation describes the relationship between variables.

Algebra 38

Definition 5.3.2 Direct Variation

When two quantities are related so that their ratio is a constant, the
variables are said to vary directly or to be proportional. If x and y represent
the variables and k represents the constant of variation then,
y
k or y=kx
x

Example 5.3.1 If y varies directly as x and is 12 for x = 4, find the value of y

when x = 2. ans. 6

Example 5.3.2 Hooke’s Law states that the force F required to stretch a
spring is directly proportional to the change of length x of
the spring. If a force of 25 pounds stretches a certain spring 8
inches, how far will a force of 75 pounds stretch the spring?

ans. 24

Definition 5.3.3 Indirect Variation

Two variables are said to vary inversely or to be inversely proportional

if the product of the variable is a non-zero constant.. In symbol,

k
xy=k or y
x

Example 5.3.3 If y varies inversely as x, and y = 32 when x = 4, find x

when y = 8.
ans. 16

Example 5.3.4 The current I in an electrical conductor is inversely proportional

to the resistance R. If the current is 0.5 ampere when the
resistance is 240 ohms, what is the current when the resistance
is 600 ohms?
ans.0.2 amp
Algebra 39

Definition 5.3.4 Joint Variation

Joint variation occurs when one variable varies directly with several
other variables. The general formula for joint variation with y varying jointly with x
and z is as follows:

Y = k x z3

Example 5.3.5 If z varies jointly as x and y and x = 3 , y = 4 when z = 24, then

what is z when x = 5 and y = 6?
ans. 60

Example 5.3.6 The weight of a rectangular block of metal varies jointly as the
length, the width, and the thickness. If the weight of a 12 in. by
8 in. by 6 in. block of aluminum is 18.7 lb., find the weight of a
16 in. by 10 in. by 4 in. block.
ans. 20.8 lb.

Definition 5.3.5 Combined Variation

The same variable can vary directly with one variable while varying
inversely or jointly with other variables. If y varies directly with x and inversely
with z, the formula for combined variation is as follows:

kx
y
z

Example 5.3.7 If x varies directly as y and inversely as z, and x = 14 when y = 7

and z = 2, find the value of x when y = 16 and z = 4.
ans. 16

Example 5.3.8 The time required by an elevator to lift a weight varies directly
with the weight and the distance through which it is to be lifted
and inversely as the power of the motor. If it takes 30 seconds
for 10 hp motor to lift 100 lbs through 50 feet, what size of
motor is required to lift 800 lbs in 40 seconds through a
distance of 40 feet?
ans. 48 hp

Exercise 5.3.1
Algebra 40

1. D varies directly with t. If D = 30 when t = 6 , then find t when D = 55.

2. m varies directly as n and inversely as p. If m = 2 when n = 16 and p = 16, find

p when m = 16 and n = 25.

3. The cost of labor varies directly with the number of workers and the number of
days worked. If 16 people work 5 days for $9,600, how many days can 9
people work to earn $6,480?

4. In a series circuit, the voltage drop across a resistor is directly proportional to

the resistance. If the voltage drop across a 75-ohm resistor is 10 V, what is
the voltage drop across a 30-ohm resistor?