Direct and Inverse Proportions

What is Direct Proportion?

Direct proportion is a relationship between two variables where they change in the same direction, meaning that if one variable increases, the other variable also increases, and vice versa. 

What is Inverse Proportion?

Inverse proportion is a relationship between two variables where they change in opposite directions, meaning that if one variable increases, the other variable decreases, and vice versa.

How can we determine if two variables are Directly Proportional?

We can determine if two variables are directly proportional by plotting them on a graph and checking if the graph is a straight line passing through the origin (0,0). Also, we can also check if the ratio of the two variables is constant.

How can we determine if two variables are Inversely Proportional?

We can determine if two variables are inversely proportional by plotting them on a graph and checking if the graph is a hyperbola. Also we can also check if the product of the two variables is constant.

What are some Examples of Direct Proportion?

Some examples of direct proportion are:

  • The more hours you work, the more money you earn.
  • The more ingredients you use, the more cookies you can bake.
  • The faster you run, the more distance you cover.

What are some Examples of Inverse Proportion?

Some examples of inverse proportion are:

  • The more people sharing a pizza, the smaller the slice each person gets.
  • The more you dilute a solution, the weaker it becomes.
  • The the narrower the strap of your bag, the more pressure you feel on your shoulder.


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

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