Direct Variation Calculator

| Added in Math & Numbers

What is Direct Variation?

Direct variation describes a relationship where one variable is directly proportional to another. When two variables vary directly, their ratio remains constant.

Formula

[\text{Result (y)} = \text{Constant (c)} \times \text{Variable (x)}]

Or equivalently:

[c = \frac{y}{x}]

Where:

  • c is the direct variation constant (also called the constant of proportionality)
  • x is the independent variable
  • y is the dependent variable (result)

Calculation Example

Given a direct variation constant of 3.5 and an x value of 6:

[y = 3.5 \times 6 = 21]

So when c = 3.5 and x = 6, the result is 21 units.

Applications

Direct variation is used in:

  • Physics: Hooke's Law (force and spring displacement)
  • Economics: Cost proportional to quantity
  • Science: Speed and distance at constant time

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct variation is a relationship between two variables where one is a constant multiple of the other. The formula is y = c × x, where c is the constant of variation.

Divide any y value by its corresponding x value: c = y / x. This constant remains the same for all points in a direct variation.

In direct variation, y increases as x increases (y = cx). In inverse variation, y decreases as x increases (y = c/x).