Solving for exponents in proportionality

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
4 replies · 2K views
EliteLegend
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
In an experiment I am performing, I observed the following:

Result is directly proportional to A
Result is inversely proportional to B

So, I assume two constants, alpha and beta such that:

Result = (A^alpha)/(B^beta)

Now, if I know I want to solve for alpha and beta but is this the right approach to take to get the value of Result for any given A and B?

(Actually, I could have assumed Result = k. (A/B) but I am not sure that my result follows such a simple proportionality which is why I assumed alpha and beta). Any input on this is appreciated. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So that means, I should in fact be looking at Result = k. (A^alpha) * (B^beta)? Could you provide me some insight on how to go about solving this equation? I am new to these things so even a direction would be helpful...

I was actually thinking of determining alpha, beta and k on a trial and error basis experimentally but that would take me ages with the experiment I am running...
 
Understood... Thanks so much for the help :)