y is inversely proportional to the square of x - Edexcel - GCSE Maths - Question 17 - 2019 - Paper 3

Question 17

y is inversely proportional to the square of x.
y = 8 when x = 2.5
Find the negative value of x when y = \frac{8}{9}.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:y is inversely proportional to the square of x - Edexcel - GCSE Maths - Question 17 - 2019 - Paper 3
Identify the relationship

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Since y is inversely proportional to the square of x, we can express this relationship as:
y=x2k
where k is a constant.
Determine the constant k

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Substituting the known values into the equation:
8=(2.5)2k
We calculate:
(2.5)2=6.25
Thus,
8=6.25k
Multiplying both sides by 6.25 gives:
k=8×6.25=50.
Solve for x when y = \frac{8}{9}

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Substituting y = \frac{8}{9}$ into the relationship:
98=x250
Rearranging gives:
x2=850×9=56.25.
Now taking the square root:
x=−56.25=−7.5 (considering negative value).
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