Difference between Direct and Inverse Proportions

The key difference between direct and Inverse Proportions is as follows:

Property

Direct Proportion

Inverse Proportion

Relationship When two variables change in 
the same direction
When two variables change 
in opposite directions
Formulay = kx (where k is a constant)y = k/x (where k is a constant)
GraphA straight line passes through 
the origin (0,0)
A hyperbola
ExampleThe more hours you work, the 
more money you earn
The more people sharing a pizza, 
the smaller the slice each person gets
Symbol∝ (proportional to) E.g. a ∝ b∝ (inversely proportional to) E.g. a ∝ 1/b
Equationy = kxxy = k

Note: In direct proportion, as one variable increases, the other variable increases proportionally. In inverse proportion, as one variable increases, the other variable decreases proportionally.

Direct and Inverse Proportions

Direct and Inverse Proportions is a mathematical concept which help us understanding how quantities are dependent on each other. Let’s say if you drive faster you will reach your destination in less time, similarly if a laborer works for more hours he will earn more.

Direct and Inverse Proportions

Here we see that speed and time are in opposite relation and hence are in inverse proportion while wage and working hours are in direct proportion. Direct and Inverse Proportion is a very important topic for class 8 to understand ratios and proportions.

Let’s understand in detail about Direct and Inverse Proportions definition, formula and properties.

Table of Content

  • Direct and Inverse Proportions
    • Direct and Inverse Proportions Definition
  • Direct Proportion
  • Direct Proportion Formula
  • Examples of Direct Proportion
  • Solved Examples on Direct Proportion
  • Inverse Proportion
  • Inverse Proportion Formula
  • Examples of Inverse Proportion
  • Difference between Direct and Inverse Proportions
  • Solved Problems on Inverse Proportions

Similar Reads

Direct and Inverse Proportions

When two quantities are in direct proportion (or directly proportional), they increase or decrease in the same ratio. If one quantity doubles, the other also doubles; if one is halved, the other is halved as well. Direct and inverse proportions are mathematical concepts used to describe the relationship between two variables. Understanding these relationships helps in solving real-world problems where quantities are interdependent....

Direct Proportion

If x and y are any two quantities such that both of them increase or decrease together and x/y remains constant (say k), then we say that x and y are in Direct Proportion. This is written as x ∝ y and read as x is directly proportional to y....

Direct Proportion Formula

x ∝ y (x/y) = k ⇒ x = ky  Where k is constant of proportion....

Examples of Direct Proportion

...

Solved Examples on Direct Proportion

Problem 1: A vertical pole of 10 m height casts a 20 m long shadow. Find the height of another pole that casts an 80m long shadow under similar conditions....

Inverse Proportion

Two quantities change in such a manner that, if one quantity increases, the other quantity decreases in the same proportion and vice versa, then it is called Inverse Proportion....

Inverse Proportion Formula

In the above example, the number of persons engaged and the number of days are inversely proportional to each other. Symbolically, this is represented as...

Examples of Inverse Proportion

...

Difference between Direct and Inverse Proportions

The key difference between direct and Inverse Proportions is as follows:...

Solved Problems on Inverse Proportions

Problem 1: If 36 workers can build a wall in 12 days, how many days will 16 workers take to build the same wall? (assuming the number of working hours per day is constant)...

Direct and Inverse Proportions Worksheet

Problem 1: A car consumes 5 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers it travels. How much fuel will it need to travel 450 kilometers?...

Direct and Inverse Proportions – FAQs

What is Direct Proportion?...

Contact Us