Algebra 3 Unit 11
Variation and Problem Solving Worksheet
Name:____________________________________
Date:__________ Period:_____
Write an equation to describe each variation. Use k for the constant of variation.
1. y varies directly as x.
2. a varies inversely as b2
3. y varies jointly as q, r, and t.
Find the constant variation for each. Then write the variation equation for each situation.
4. Suppose y varies directly as x, and y = 4 when x = 20.
5. Suppose y varies inversely as x, and y = 20 when x = 9
6. Suppose a varies jointly with x2 and y, and a = 45 when x = 3 and y = 10.
7. Suppose x varies directly as a and inversely as b, and x = -2 when a = 2 and b = 3.
Application Problems
8. According to Boyle’s law, the pressure exerted by a gas is inversely proportional to the volume. If a gas
exerts a pressure of 1250 pound per square inch when the volume is 2 cubic feet, find the volume when the
pressure is 800 pounds per square inch.
9. The intensity I of light varies inversely as the square of the distance d from the light source. When the
intensity is 4 when the distance from the light sources is 5 inches, what is the intensity when the distance is
doubled?