RATIO, VARIATION AND PROPORTION Problem 1: Determine the value of x in the following proportion:

x 1 20 x 4
Solution:

x 1 20 x 4 4 x 20 x 4 x x 20 5 x 20 5 5 x4
Problem 2: V is directly proportional to both l and w. V = 12h when l = 4, w = 6 and h = 8. Solution:

V k (lw) V k lw 12h k ( 4)(6) 12(8) k 24 96 k 24 4k

Problem 3: A brother and sister both have weight (pounds) that varies as the square of height (feet) and they share the same proportionality constant. The sister is 6 tall and weighs 180 pounds. Her brother is 63. How much does he weigh? Solution:

w kh2 w k h2 180 k (6) 2 180 k 36 5k

w kh2 w 5(6.25) 2 w 5(39.06) w 195.31

Answer: 195 pounds