If y varies directly as x and inversely as z, and y = 9 when x = 6 and z = 4, what is the value of y when x = 8 and z = 3?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 16

  1. Step 1: Joint variation formula: y = k x / z. Step 2. Find k: 9 = k 6 / 4 => 36 = 6k => k = 6. Step 3. When x = 8 and z = 3: y = 6 8 / 3 = 48 / 3 = 16. Answer: 16. Why not the others: k=4.5 leads to y=12, but fails the initial condition 9 = 4.56/4 = 6.75.

Practise more Word Problems, Ratio, Proportions and Algebraic Applications.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Philippine Civil Service Exam mock tests.