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E-Math: How to Translate a "Proportion Statement" Into an Equation


(Photo Credit:Jeff Keen)

I love to use everyday life examples to teach Math Concepts, it's more interesting to me and my students.

Today, I'm going to use the concept of 'See-Saw' to share with you on 'How to Translate a "Proportion Statement" Into an Equation'

At the end of this post, you will be able to translate all types of statement (be it inversely proportion or direct proportion) into an equation (some called it a formula)

Direct Proportion statement:

You need to first understand what's Direct Proportion (Read all about it here)

Let's look at an example: Given y is directly proportional to [pmath]{x^2}[/pmath], write an equation connecting x, y and a constant k.

So, in simple terms, when y increases, x increases too.

Inverse (Indirect) Proportion statement:

Given y is inversely proportional to [pmath]{x+2}[/pmath], write an equation connecting x, y and a constant k.

This is similar to the situation when a See-Saw is in Up-Down position. y is up while (x+2) is down. You can also see it from another point: y is in the numerator while (x+2) is in the denominator or when y increases, x decreases.

I hope you have understand the easier way to translate statements into equations for proportionality question.

In my next post, I will be sharing the various approaches in solving a proportionality question and the hint to look out for in order to use the correct approach.

Ai Ling Ong

Hi, I'm Ai Ling Ong. I enjoy coaching students who have challenges with understanding and scoring in 'O' Level A-Maths and E-Maths. I develop Math strategies, sometimes ridiculous ideas to help students in understanding abstract concepts the fast and memorable way. I write this blog to share with you the stuff I teach in my class, the common mistakes my students made, the 'way' to think, analyze... If you have found this blog post useful, please share it with your friends. I will really appreciate it! :)

Filed Under: E-Maths Tagged With: direct proportion, inverse proportion

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Comments

  1. projiasheng says

    December 27, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    hi!
    i am a malaysian student and i just started to learn this chapter.
    i love your post and i can understand it more.
    i hope that u can give more tips on how to do this.
    i also hope that we can keep-in-touch by e-mail in future.
    thanks.

Trackbacks

  1. E-Math: What is Direct Proportion and Inverse Proportion? says:
    August 29, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    [...] the next post, I will be sharing with you how we can translate a statement into an equation involving proportion. I’m also going to highlight the ‘tricky’ proportion question in 2008 GCE O Level [...]

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