Simple proportionality question

In summary, the conversation discusses whether it is correct to say that v is inversely proportional to r or if it should be stated as v is inversely proportional to r1/2. The consensus is that both statements are acceptable and it is important to use the commonly accepted phrasing to avoid losing marks in exams. Other ways to express the relationship between v and r are also mentioned.
  • #1
hmvince
44
0
Hey guys, simple question really:
Given the equation
Code:
v = (Gm/r)[SUP]1/2[/SUP]
Is it wrong to say
Code:
v is inversely proportional to r
Or do you have to say
Code:
v is inverslely proportional to r[SUP]1/2[/SUP]
 
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  • #2
hey hmvince! :wink:
hmvince said:
Is it wrong to say
Code:
v is inversely proportional to r

yes! :smile:
Or do you have to say
Code:
v is inverslely proportional to r[SUP]1/2[/SUP]

you don't have to say "inverslely"! o:)
 
  • #3
I thought you did have to, cos if you don't it means v increases with r, instead of v decreases with r.
Do you mean to say this?:
v is directly proportional to r-1/2?

Looking at your number of posts and recognitions I don't mean to say you are wrong, just trying to figure it out for myself!
 
  • #4
hi hmvince! :wink:

yes, it's always best to ask until you're sure

no point in losing even one mark in an exam by knowing the maths but not using the generally-accepted phrase! :smile:

you can say

v is proportional to r-1/2

or

v is inversely proportional to r1/2

or

v and r-1/2 are proportional

or

v and r1/2 are inversely proportional​

(and you don't need "directly", since it adds no information … but it isn't actually wrong)
 
  • #5
Thankyou!
 

Related to Simple proportionality question

1)

What is a simple proportionality question?

A simple proportionality question is a type of math problem that involves finding the relationship between two quantities that are directly proportional to each other. This means that as one quantity increases, the other quantity also increases by a certain amount.

2)

How do you solve a simple proportionality question?

To solve a simple proportionality question, you can use the formula "a/b = c/d" where "a" and "b" represent one set of numbers and "c" and "d" represent the other set of numbers. You can then cross-multiply and solve for the missing value.

3)

What are some real-life examples of simple proportionality?

Some real-life examples of simple proportionality include calculating the cost of buying multiple items at a given price, converting measurements from one unit to another, and determining the amount of time it takes to travel a certain distance at a given speed.

4)

What are the common mistakes to avoid when solving a simple proportionality question?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving a simple proportionality question include forgetting to cross-multiply, mixing up the ratios, and not properly labeling the units. It is also important to double-check your answer to make sure it makes sense in the context of the problem.

5)

How can understanding simple proportionality be useful in the real world?

Understanding simple proportionality can be useful in various real-world situations, such as calculating discounts and sales, comparing prices of different products, and determining the appropriate amount of ingredients in a recipe. It also helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many different fields of study and professions.

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