Two quantities are said to vary inversely the increase (or decrease) in one quantity causes the decrease (or increase) in the other quantity.
(i) The time taken to finish a piece of work varies inversely as the number of men at work. (More men at work, less is the time taken to finish it)
(ii) The speed varies inversely as the time taken to cover a distance. (More is the speed, less is the time taken to cover a distance)
1. If 35 men can reap a field in 8 days; in how many days can 20 men reap the same field?
Solution:
35 men can reap the field in 8 days
1 man can reap the field in (35 × 8) days [less men, more days]
20 men can reap the field in (35 × 8)/20 days [more men, more days]
= 14 days
Hence, 20 men can reap the field in 14 days.
2. A fort had provisions for 300 men for 90 days. After 20 days, 50 men left the fort. How long would the food last at the same rate?
Solution:
Remaining number of men = (300 - 50) = 250.
Remaining number of days = (90 - 20) days = 70 days.
300 men had provisions for 70 days
1 man had provisions for (300 × 70) days [less men, more days]
250 men had provisions for (300 × 70)/250 days
[more men, more days]
= 84 days.
Hence, the remaining food will last for 84 days.
3. 6 oxen or 8 cows can graze a field in 28 days. How long would 9 oxen and 2 cows take to graze the same field?
Solution:
6 oxen = 8 cows
⇒ 1 ox = 8/6 cows
⇒ 9 oxen ≡ (8/6 × 9) cows = 12 cows
⇒ (9 oxen + 2 cows) ≡ (12 cows + 2 cows) = 14 cows
Now, 8 cows can graze the field in 28 days
1 cow can graze the field in (28 × 8) days [less cows, more days]
14 cows can graze the field in (28 × 8)/14 days
[more cows, less days]
= 16 days
Hence, 9 oxen and 2 cows can graze the field in 16 days.
4. 6 typists working 5 hours a day can type the manuscript of a book in 16 days. How many days will 4 typists take to do the same job, each working 6 hours a day?
Solution:
6 typists working 5 hours a day can finish the job in 16 days
6 typists working 1 hour a day can finish it in (16 × 5) days
[less hours per day, more days]
1 typist working 1 hour a day can finish it in (16 × 5 x 6)/6 days
[less typists, more days]
1 typist working 6 hours a day can finish it in 6 days
[more hours per day, less days]
4 typists working 6 hours a day can finish it (16 × 5 × 6)/(6 × 4) days
= 20 days.
Hence, 4 typists working 6 hours a day can finish the job in 20 days.
● Ratio and Proportion (Direct & Inverse Variation)
Practice Test on Direct Variation and Inverse Variation
● Ratio and Proportion - Worksheets
Worksheet on Inverse Variation
From Inverse Variation to HOME PAGE
Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.
Dec 12, 24 09:20 AM
Dec 09, 24 10:39 PM
Dec 09, 24 01:08 AM
Dec 08, 24 11:19 PM
Dec 07, 24 03:38 PM
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.