- #1
ebits21
- 46
- 0
Homework Statement
Alright, so I just want some clarification on direct variation, since it seems that every internet source I can find is (seemingly to me) wrong.
To me, direct variation means that the ratio of y to x is fixed with y=kx where k is the constant of proportionality.
Various sources online say that this means as y increases so does x or as y decreases so does x. BUT, I think this is wrong for the following reason.
If k is negative such that y=-kx, then as x increases y will DECREASE. However, if you take a bunch of co-ordinates and find the proportion of y to x, you get a negative constant (-k). Therefore they must be directly proportional. I think of this as a negative slope to a line, the line shows that the co-ordinates are proportional, but as x increases, y decreases.
So am I correct? Can the constant of proportionality k be negative and show direct variation? If not why not?
Homework Equations
y=kx, y=-kx
The Attempt at a Solution
(see above)