1. What is Inverse Proportion?

Inverse proportion describes a relationship where one quantity increases while the other decreases at a constant rate. It's expressed mathematically as y = k/x, where k is the constant of proportionality.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the inverse proportion formula:

Where:

• \( y \) — Resulting proportion value
• \( k \) — Constant of proportionality
• \( x \) — Input variable

Explanation: As x increases, y decreases proportionally, maintaining the relationship defined by the constant k.

3. Applications of Inverse Proportion

Examples:

• Speed and travel time (constant distance)
• Number of workers and time to complete a task
• Light intensity and distance from source

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter the constant of proportionality (k) and the variable value (x). Both must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute y = k/x.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between direct and inverse proportion?
A: Direct proportion means both variables increase together (y = kx), while inverse means one increases as the other decreases (y = k/x).

Q2: Can k be negative in inverse proportion?
A: Typically no, as most real-world applications deal with positive quantities. Negative k would create a mathematical inverse but rarely has practical meaning.

Q3: How is inverse proportion represented graphically?
A: As a hyperbola curve that approaches but never touches the axes.

Q4: What if x is zero?
A: Division by zero is undefined, so x must be greater than zero.

Q5: Can this calculator solve for k or x?
A: Currently it only solves for y given k and x. Rearrange the formula (k = y*x or x = k/y) to solve for other variables.