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Direct, Inverse, Joint and Combined Variation

This section covers:

Direct or Proportional Variation

Inverse or Indirect Variation
Joint and Combined Variation
Partial Variation
More Practice

When you start studying algebra, you will also study how two (or more) variables can relate to each other specifically. The cases
you’ll study are:

Direct Variation, where one variable is a constant multiple of another

Inverse or Indirect Variation, where when one of the variables increases, the other one decreases (their product is constant)
Joint Variation, where more than two variables are related directly
Combined Variation, which involves a combination of direct or joint variation, and indirect variation
Partial Variation, where two variables are related by a formula, such as the formula for a straight line (with a non-zero 𝑦 -
intercept)

These sound like a lot of fancy math words, but it’s really not too bad. Here are some examples of direct and inverse variation:

Direct: The number of dollars I make varies directly (or you can say varies proportionally) with how much I work (𝑘 is
positive).
Direct: The length of the side a square varies directly with the perimeter of the square.
Inverse: The number of people I invite to my bowling party varies inversely with the number of games they might get to play
(or you can say is proportional to the inverse of).
Inverse: The temperature in my house varies indirectly (same as inversely) with the amount of time the air conditioning is
running.
Inverse: My GPA may vary directly inversely with the number of hours I watch TV.
Partial (Direct): The total cost of my phone bill consists of a fixed cost per month, and also a charge per minute.

Here is a table for the types of variation we’ll be discussing:

Type of Variation Formula Example Wording

The value of 𝑦 varies directly with 𝑥 , 𝑦 is directly

Direct or Proportional 𝑦1 𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 or = 2 proportional to 𝑥
Variation 𝑥1 𝑥2
Special Case: Direct Square variation: 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥2

The value of 𝑦 varies inversely with 𝑥 , 𝑦 is inversely

Inverse or Indirect 𝑘 proportional to 𝑥 , 𝑦 is indirectly proportional to 𝑥
𝑦= or 𝑥𝑦 = 𝑘
Variation 𝑥 𝑘
Special case: Indirect Square variation: 𝑦 =
𝑥2

Like direct variation, but involves

Joint Variation more than one variable. Example: 𝑦 varies jointly with 𝑥 and the square of 𝑧
Example: 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥𝑧2

Involves a combination of direct

variation or joint variation, and Example: 𝑦 varies jointly as 𝑥 and 𝑤 and inversely as
Combined Variation indirect variation. the square of 𝑧
𝑘𝑥𝑤
Example: 𝑦 =
𝑧2

Two variables are related by the

sum of two or more variables
Example: 𝑦 is partly constant and partly varies
Partial Variation (one of which may be a
directly with 𝑥
constant).
Example: 𝑦 = 𝑘1𝑥 + 𝑘2

Direct or Proportional Variation

When two variables are related directly, the ratio of their values is always the same. If 𝑘 , the constant ratio is positive, the variables
go up and down in the same direction. If 𝑘 is negative, as one variable goes up, the other goes down. (𝑘 ≠ 0 )

Think of linear direct variation as a “𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 ” line, where the ratio of 𝑦 to 𝑥 is the slope (𝑚 ). With direct variation, the 𝑦 -intercept is
always 0 (zero); this is how it’s defined.

(Note that Part Variation (see below), or “varies partly” means that there is an extra fixed constant, so we’ll have an equation like
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 , which is our typical linear equation.)

Direct variation problems are typically written:

→ 𝑦 = 𝑘 𝑥, where 𝑘 is the ratio of 𝑦 to 𝑥 (which is the same as the slope or rate).

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Some problems will ask for that 𝑘 value (which is called the constant ratio, constant of variation or constant of
proportionality – it’s like a slope!); others will just give you 3 out of the 4 values for 𝑥 and 𝑦 and you can simply set up a ratio to find
the other value. I’m thinking the 𝑘 comes from the word “constant” in another language.

(I’m assuming in these examples that direct variation is linear; sometime I see it where it’s not, like in a Direct Square Variation
where 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥2 . There is a word problem example of this here.)

Remember the example of making $10 an hour at the mall (𝑦 = 10𝑥 )? This is an example of direct variation, since the ratio of how
much you make to how many hours you work is always constant.

We can also set up direct variation problems in a ratio, as long as we have the same variable in either the top or bottom of the
ratio, or on the same side. This will look like the following. Don’t let this scare you; the subscripts just refer to the either the first set
of variables (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ), or the second (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ).

𝑦1 𝑦
= 2
𝑥1 𝑥2

Direct Variation Word Problem:

We can solve the following Direct Variation problem in one of two ways, as shown. We do these methods when we are given any
three of the four values for 𝑥 and 𝑦 .

Direct Variation Problem Formula Method Proportion Method

𝑦1 𝑦
= 2
𝑥1 𝑥2
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 20 𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 =
𝑦 = 10𝑥 2 8
The value of 𝑦 varies 20 = 𝑘2
𝑦 = 10(8)
directly with 𝑥 , and 𝑘 = 10 2𝑦 = 160
𝑦 = 80
𝑦 = 20 when 𝑥 = 2 . 𝑦 = 80

Since 𝑥 and 𝑦 vary directly, we know that 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 .

Find 𝑦 when 𝑥 = 8 . We can set up a proportion with the 𝑦 ’s on
Since the problem was stated that 𝑦 varies
top, and the 𝑥 ’s on bottom (think of setting
directly with 𝑥 , we place the 𝑦 first.
slopes equal to each other )

(Note that this may be also Solve for 𝑘 , using the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 that we
be written “𝑦 is proportional When we see the word “when” in the original
know (𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 20 ). We see that 𝑘 = 10.
to 𝑥 , and 𝑦 = 20 when 𝑥 = 2 . problem (“𝑦 = 20 when 𝑥 = 2 ”), it means

Find 𝑦 when 𝑥 = 8 “.) that that 𝑥 goes with that 𝑦 .

Now use 𝑦 = 10𝑥 . We plug the new 𝑥 , which is 8.
We get the new 𝑦 = 80 .
We can then cross multiply to get the new 𝑦 .

It’s really that easy. Can you see why the proportion method can be the preferred method, unless you are asked to find the
𝑘 constant in the formula?

Again, if the problem asks for the equation that models this situation, it would be “𝑦 = 10𝑥 ”.

Direct Variation Word Problem:

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Here’s another:

Direct Variation Problem Formula Method Proportion Method

𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 𝑦 = 25𝑥
2500 = 𝑘100 𝑦 = 25(1000)
𝑘 = 25 𝑦 = 25000 $ $
=
The amount of money raised attendees attendees
Since the amount of money is directly 2500 𝑦
at a school fundraiser is =
proportional (varies directly) to the number who 100 1000
directly proportional to the
attend, we know that 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 , where 𝑦 = the
number of people who 100𝑦 = 2500000
amount of money raised and 𝑥 = the number of 𝑦 = 25000
attend.
attendees. (Since the problem states that the
amount of money is directly proportional to the We can set up a proportion with the 𝑦 ’s on
Last year, the amount of
number of attendees, we put the amount of top (amount of money), and the 𝑥 ’s on
money raised for 100
money first, or as the 𝑦 ). bottom (number of attendees). We can then
attendees was $2500.
cross multiply to get the new amount of
We need to fill in the numbers from the problem, money (𝑦 ).
How much money will be
and solve for 𝑘 . We see that 𝑘 = 25. We have
raised if 1000 people
𝑦 = 25𝑥 . We plug the new 𝑥 , which is 1000. We get the new 𝑦 = 25000 . If 1000 people
attend this year?
attend, $25,000 will be raised!
We get the new 𝑦 = 25000 . If 1000 people attend,
$25,000 would be raised!

Direct Variation Word Problem:

Here’s another; let’s use the proportion method:

Direct Variation Problem Proportion Method

𝑦1 𝑦
Brady bought an energy efficient = 2
𝑥1 𝑥2
washing machine for her new 10 𝑦
=
apartment. 1 20

𝑦 = 200
If she saves about 10 gallons of water
per load, how many gallons of water
We can set up a proportion with the 𝑦 ’s on top (representing gallons), and
will she save if she washes 20 loads
the 𝑥 ’s on bottom (representing number of loads). Remember that “per
of laundry?
load” means “for 1 load”.

We can then cross multiply to get the new 𝑦 . Brady will save 200 gallons if
she washes 20 loads of laundry.

See how similar these types of problems are to the Proportions problems we did earlier?

Direct Square Variation Word Problem:

Again, a Direct Square Variation is when 𝑦 is proportional to the square of 𝑥 , or 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥2 . Let’s work a word problem with this type
of variation and show both the formula and proportion methods:

Direct Square Variation

Formula Method Proportion Method
Problem

𝑦1 𝑦2
4 2 =
𝑦= 𝑘𝑥2 𝑦= 𝑥 (𝑥1 )2 (𝑥2 )2
9
4 𝑦
4 = 𝑘 ⋅ 32 4
𝑦 = ⋅ 22 =
4 9 32 22
𝑘= 16 4 ⋅ 22 16
9 𝑦= 𝑦= =
9 32 9
If 𝑦 varies directly with the
Since 𝑦 is directly proportional (varies directly) We can set up a proportion with the 𝑦 ’s on
square of 𝑥 , and if
to the square of 𝑥 , we know that 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥2 . Plug in top, and 𝑥2 ’s on the bottom.
𝑦 = 4 when 𝑥 = 3 , what is
the first numbers we have for 𝑥 and 𝑦 to see that
𝑦 when 𝑥 = 2 ?
4
𝑘= . We can plug in the numbers we have, and
9
then cross multiply to get the new 𝑦 .
4 2
We have 𝑦 = 𝑥 . We plug the new 𝑥 , which is 2,
9 16
16 We then get the new 𝑦 = .
and get the new 𝑦 , which is . 9
9

Inverse or Indirect Variation

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Inverse or Indirect Variation refers to relationships of two variables that go in the opposite direction (their product is a constant,
𝑘 ). Let’s suppose you are comparing how fast you are driving (average speed) to how fast you get to your school. You might have
measured the following speeds and times:

Average Speed of car ( Time to get to school (𝑦 )

𝑥 times 𝑦
𝑥) (minutes)

25 10 25 × 10 = 250

30 8.33 20 × 8.33 ≈ 250

35 7.14 35 × 7.14 ≈ 250

40 6.25 40 × 6.25 = 250

(Note that ≈ means “approximately equal to”).

Do you see how when the 𝑥 variable goes up, the 𝑦 goes down, and when you multiply the 𝑥 with the 𝑦 , we always get the same
number (Note that this is different than a negative slope, or negative 𝑘 value, since with a negative slope, we can’t multiply the 𝑥 ’s
and 𝑦 ’s to get the same number).

So the formula for inverse or indirect variation is:

𝑘
→ 𝑦= or 𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑘, where 𝑘 is always the same number.
𝑥

<

<

(Note that you could also have an Indirect Square Variation or Inverse Square Variation, like we saw above for a Direct Variation.
𝑘 2 𝑦 = 𝑘 .)
This would be of the form 𝑦 = or 𝑥
𝑥2

Here is a sample graph for inverse or indirect variation. This is actually a type of Rational Function (function with a variable in the
denominator) that we will talk about in the Rational Functions, Equations and Inequalities section here.

Formula Graph

𝑘
𝑦= or 𝑥𝑦 = 𝑘
𝑥

𝑥1 𝑦1 = 𝑥2 𝑦2

In our case, 𝑘 = 250

250
𝑥𝑦 = 250 or 𝑦 =
𝑥

Inverse Variation Word Problem:

We might have a problem like this; we can solve this problem in one of two ways, as shown. We do these methods when we are
given any three of the four values for 𝑥 and 𝑦 :

Indirect Variation Problem Formula Method Product Rule Method

𝑘 12
𝑦1 = 𝑦2 =
𝑥1 𝑥2
𝑘 12
4= 6= 𝑥1 𝑦1 = 𝑥2 𝑦2
3 𝑥2
𝑘 = 12 6𝑥2 =12; 𝑥2 = 2
(3) (4) = 𝑥2 (6)
Since 𝑥 and 𝑦 vary inversely, we know that 12 = 6𝑥2
The value of 𝑦 varies
𝑘 𝑥2 = 2
inversely (or indirectly) with 𝑥𝑦 = 𝑘 , or 𝑦 = .
𝑥
𝑥 , and 𝑦 = 4 when 𝑥 = 3 . We know that when you multiply the 𝑥 ’s
Find 𝑥 when 𝑦 = 6. We first fill in the 𝑥 and 𝑦 values with 𝑥1 and 𝑦1 and 𝑦 ’s (with the same subscript) we get
from the problem. Remember that the variables a constant, which is 𝑘 . You can see that
with the same subscript, such as 𝑥1 and 𝑦1 , stay 𝑘 = 12 in this problem.
The problem may also be together. We then solve for 𝑘 , which is 12.
worded like this: We can just substitute in all the numbers
Let 𝑥1 = 3 , 𝑦1 = 4 , and 𝑦2 = 6 . We then put the 𝑦2 value in for 𝑦 . We then solve for that we are given and solve for the
Let 𝑦 vary inversely as 𝑥 . 𝑥2 , which is 2. (If the 𝑥2 value were given, you’d number we want – in this case, 𝑥 . 2
Find 𝑥2 . put that in for 𝑥 , and solve for 𝑦2 ).
This way is easier than the formula
The formula way may take a little more time, but method, but, again, you will probably be
you may be asked to do it this way, especially if asked to know both ways.
you need to find 𝑘 , and the equation of variation,
12
which is 𝑦 = .
𝑥

Inverse Variation Word Problem:

Here’s another; let’s use the product method:

Inverse Variation Problem Product Rule Method

𝑥1 𝑦1 = 𝑥2 𝑦2

For the Choir fundraiser, the number of tickets (5) (15) = 𝑥2 (3)
Allie can buy is inversely proportional to the 75 = 3𝑥2
price of the tickets. 𝑥2 = 25

She can afford 15 tickets that cost $5 each. We know that when you multiply the 𝑥 ’s and 𝑦 ’s we get a constant,
which is 𝑘 . The number of tickets Allie can buy times the price of each

How many tickets can Allie buy if each cost ticket is 𝑘 . We can let the 𝑥 ’s be the price of the tickets.

$3?
We can just substitute in all the numbers that we are given and solve for
the number we want. We see that Allie can buy 25 tickets that cost $3.
This makes sense, since we can see that she only can spend $75 (which
is 𝑘 !)

“Work” Inverse Proportion Word Problem:

Here’s a more advanced problem that uses inverse proportions in a “work” word problem; we’ll see more “work problems” here in
the Systems of Linear Equations Section and here in the Rational Functions and Equations Section.

“Work” Inverse Variation Problem Product Rule Method

𝑥1 𝑦1 𝑧1 = 𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑧2

(16) (7) (48) = (14) (12) 𝑧2

If 16 women working 7 hours day can 5376 = 168𝑧2
paint a mural in 48 days, how many days 𝑧2 = 32
will it take 14 women working 12 hours a
Since each woman is working at the same rate, we know that when we
day to paint the same mural?
multiply the number of women (𝑥) by the number of the hours a day (𝑦) by
the number of days they work (𝑧) , it should always be the same (a constant).
(The three different values are inversely
(Try it yourself with some easy numbers).
proportional; for example, the more
women you have, the less days it takes
We can just substitute in all the numbers that we are given and solve for the
to paint the mural, and the more hours in
number we want (days). So we see that it would take 32 days for 14 women
a day the women paint, the less days
that work 12 hours a day to paint the mural. In this case, our 𝑘 is 5376, which
they need to complete the mural.)
represents the number of hours it would take one woman alone to paint the
mural.

Recognizing Direct or Indirect Variation

You might be asked to look at functions (equations or points that compare 𝑥 ’s to unique 𝑦 ’s – we’ll discuss later in the Algebraic
Functions section) and determine if they are direct, inverse, or neither:

Function Direct, Inverse, or Neither Variation

𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 2 Neither: Direct Variation line must go through (0, 0) .

1 1
8𝑦 = −𝑥 Direct: This is the same as 𝑦 = − 𝑥; 𝑘=− .
8 8

𝑥 2 1 .5
Inverse: The product of the 𝑥 ’s and 𝑦 ’s is always 8; 𝑘 = 8 .
𝑦 4 8 16

4
5 4 4
𝑥= Inverse: This is the same as 𝑥𝑦 = ; 𝑘= .
𝑦 5 5

𝑦 = 40 Neither: No 𝑥 in the function.

𝑥 0 2 4 Neither: Even though this would be a line, there is no 𝑘 such that 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 . Also,
direct variation line must go through (0, 0) .
𝑦 4 6 8

Joint Variation and Combined Variation

Joint variation is just like direct variation, but involves more than one other variable. All the variables are directly proportional,
taken one at a time.

Let’s set this up like we did with direct variation, find the 𝑘 , and then solve for 𝑦 ; we need to use the Formula Method:

Joint Variation Problem Formula Method

𝑥 = 𝑘𝑦√𝑧
𝑥 = 𝑘𝑦√𝑧 𝑥 = −3𝑦√𝑧
−18 = 𝑘 (2) √9‾ 10 = −3𝑦√4‾
−18 = 6𝑘 10 = −3𝑦 (2)
𝑘 = −3 10 5
𝑦= =−
−6 3
Suppose 𝑥 varies jointly with 𝑦 and the
square root of 𝑧 .
Again, we can set it up almost word for word from the word problem. For the
words “varies jointly”, just basically use the “= ” sign, and everything else will
When 𝑥 = −18 and 𝑦 = 2, then 𝑧 = 9.
fall in place.

Find 𝑦 when 𝑥 = 10 and 𝑧 = 4.

Solve for 𝑘 first by plugging in variables we are given at first; we get 𝑘 = −3 .

Now we can plug in the new values of 𝑥 and 𝑧 to get the new 𝑦 .

5
We see that 𝑦 = − . Really not that bad!
3

Joint Variation Word Problem:

1
We know the equation for the area of a triangle is 𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ (𝑏 = base and ℎ = height), so we can think of the area having a joint
2
1
variation with 𝑏 and ℎ, with 𝑘 = . Let’s do an area problem, where we wouldn’t even have to know the value for 𝑘 :
2

Joint Variation Problem Math and Notes

𝐴 = 𝑘𝑏ℎ (original)
𝐴 = 𝑘 (1.4𝑏) (.9ℎ) (new)

𝐴 = 𝑘 (1.4) (.9) 𝑏ℎ
𝐴 = 𝑘 (1.26) 𝑏ℎ

The area of a triangle is jointly related to

Remember that when we increase a number by 40%, we are actually
the height and the base.
multiplying it by 1.4, since we have to add 40% to the original amount.
Similarly, when we decrease a number by 10%, we are multiplying it by .9,
If the base is increased by 40% and the
since we are decreasing the original amount by 10%.
height is decreased by 10%, what will be
the percentage change of the area?
Reduce the original values by the new values, and find the new “multiplier”;
we see that there will be a 26% increase in the area (𝐴 would be multiplied
by 1.26, or be 26% greater.)

1
You can put real numbers to verify this, using the formula 𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ.
2

Joint Variation Word Problem:

Here’s another:

Joint Variation Problem Math and Notes

𝑉 = 𝑘(height)(girth)2
𝑉 = 𝑘ℎ𝑔2

The volume of wood in a tree (𝑉 ) varies 144 = 𝑘(20)(1.5)2 = 45𝑘

directly as the height (ℎ) and the square 144 = 45𝑘; 𝑘 = 3.2
of the girth (𝑔 ).
𝑉 = 𝑘ℎ𝑔2 ; 1000 = 3.2ℎ ⋅ 22
If the volume of a tree is 144 cubic ℎ = 78.125
meters (𝑚3 ) when the height is 20
meters and the girth is 1.5 meters, what We can set it up almost word for word from the word problem. For the words
“varies directly”, just basically use the “= ” sign, and everything else will fall in
is the height of a tree with a volume of
place. Solve for 𝑘 first; we get 𝑘 = 3.2 .
1000 and girth of 2 meters?

Now we can plug in the new values to get the new height.

The new height is 78.125 meters.

Combined Variation

Combined variation involves a combination of direct or joint variation, and indirect variation. Since these equations are a little more
complicated, you probably want to plug in all the variables, solve for 𝑘 , and then solve back to get what’s missing.

Let’s try a problem:

Combined Variation Problem Math and Notes

𝑘𝑥𝑤
𝑙𝑦 =
𝑧2
𝑘(2)(4)
8𝑘
100 = =
(20)2 400
8𝑘 = 100(400)
(100)(400)
𝑘= = 5000
8
5000𝑥𝑤
𝑦= (answer to a)
𝑧2

5000(1)(5)
𝑦=
42
25000
𝑦= = 1562.5 (answer to b)
16
(a) 𝑦 varies jointly as 𝑥 and 𝑤 and inversely
as the square of 𝑧 . Find the equation of Now this looks really complicated, and you may get “word problems”
variation when 𝑦 = 100 , 𝑥 = 2 , 𝑤 = 4 , and like this, but all we do is fill in all the variables we know, and then solve
𝑧 = 20 . for 𝑘 . We know that “the square of 𝑧 ” is a fancy way of saying 𝑧2 .

(b) Then solve for 𝑦 when 𝑥 = 1 , 𝑤 = 5 , and Remember that what follows the “varies jointly as” is typically on the
𝑧 = 4. top of any fraction (this is like a direct variation), and what follows
“inversely as” is typically on the bottom of the fraction. And always put
𝑘 on the top!

Now that we have the 𝑘 , we have the answer to (a) above by plugging it
in the original equation.

We can get the new 𝑦 when we have “new” 𝑥 , 𝑤 , and 𝑧 values.

For the second part of the problem, when 𝑥 = 1 , 𝑤 = 5 , and 𝑧 = 4,

𝑦 = 1562.5. (Just plug in).

Combined Variation Word Problem:

Here’s another; this one looks really tough, but it’s really not that bad if you take it one step at a time:

Combined Variation Problem Math and Notes

The average number of phone calls per day

between two cities has found to be jointly
proportional to the populations of the 𝑘 (𝑃1) (𝑃2)
𝐶=
cities, and inversely proportional to the 𝑑2
𝑘 (1500000) (1200000)
square of the distance between the two 200000 =
4002
cities.
(200000) (400)2
𝑘= = .01778
(1500000) (1200000)
The population of Charlotte is about .01778 (𝑃1) (𝑃2)
𝐶= 2
← answer to (a)
1,500,000 and the population of Nashville is 𝑑
about 1,200,000, and the distance between
.01778 (1500000) (1700000)
the two cities is about 400 miles. The 134000 =
𝑑2
average number of calls between the cities 134000𝑑2 = .01778 (1500000) (1700000)
is about 200,000. 𝑑 = 581.7 miles ← answer to (b)

(a) Find the 𝑘 and write the equation We can set it up almost word for word from the word problem. Remember to put
of variation. everything on top for “jointly proportional” (including 𝑘 ) since these are direct
variations, and everything on bottom for “inversely proportional”.
(b) The average number of daily
phone calls between Charlotte and Solve for 𝑘 first; we get 𝑘 = .01778 .
Indianapolis (which has a population of
about 1,700,000) is about 134,000. Find Now we can plug in the new values to get the distance between the cities (𝑑 ). We
the distance between the two cities. can actually cross multiply to get 𝑑2 , and then take the positive square root get 𝑑 .

In reality, the distance between these two The distance between Charlotte and Indianapolis is about 581.7 miles.
cities is 585.6 miles, so we weren’t too far