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Is it proportional: x 2, 4, 6; y 5, 10, 15

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Proportional relationships · Foundations

Step by step

The question

Question: is this table proportional: x is 2, 4, 6, and y is 5, 10, 15?

x: 2, 4, 6; y: 5, 10, 15

Proportional means: y divided by x is always the same number.

We call that number k.

Then y = k times x.

proportional: y ÷ x is always the same
k = y ÷ x, y = kx

We write it as a table.

1 Divide y by x

For each pair we work out y divided by x.

5/2 is 2.5.

10/4 is 2.5.

15/6 is 2.5.

= 52 = 2.5, 104 = 2.5, 156 = 2.5

2 Compare the answers

The same number every time.

So it is proportional, and k = 2.5.

= always 2.5 → proportional

3 Write the equation

y = k x, with k = 2.5.

So the equation is y = 2.5x.

= y = 2.5x

4 Check

Let's check: k times x should give each y.

2.5 times 2 is 5.

2.5 × 2 = 5

2.5 times 4 is 10.

2.5 × 4 = 10

2.5 times 6 is 15.

So the answer is right!

2.5 × 6 = 15

Let's look back.

First: divide y by x.

Then: compare the answers.

Then: write the equation.

Last: check.

Answer
= y = 2.5x

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Is this table proportional: x: 2, 4, 6; y: 13, 26, 39
Show the answer
proportional: y = 6.5x

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