Question

If s varies inversely as t and s = 8 when t = 5, find the equation that connects s and t.

Answer 1

We know that:

- s varies inversely as t

- s = 8 when t = 5

And we must find the equation that connects s and t

To find the equation that connects s and t we must use that

In this case, we can say that s = x and t = y. So, our equations would be

$\begin{gathered} st=k \\ \text{ or,} \\ s=\frac{k}{t} \end{gathered}$

Now, knowing that s = 8 when t = 5 we can replace the values in the first equation

$8\cdot5=40$

So, k = 40

Finally, replacing k = 40 in the second equation we obtain

$s=\frac{40}{t}$

ANSWER:

A) s = 40 / t