If the relationship is proportional, what is the missing value from the table?

x
y
–3
9
–5
?
–7
21
–18
–15
15
18

1 answer

To determine the missing value in a proportional relationship, we can use the concept of ratios. In a proportional relationship, the ratio of corresponding values of \(x\) and \(y\) remains constant.

From the provided pairs:

  1. \((-3, 9)\)
  2. \((-5, ?)\)
  3. \((-7, 21)\)
  4. \((-18, -15)\)
  5. \((15, 18)\)

First, we calculate the ratios for known pairs:

  • For \((-3, 9)\): \[ \frac{y}{x} = \frac{9}{-3} = -3 \]

  • For \((-7, 21)\): \[ \frac{y}{x} = \frac{21}{-7} = -3 \]

  • For \((-18, -15)\): \[ \frac{y}{x} = \frac{-15}{-18} = \frac{5}{6} \]

  • For \((15, 18)\): \[ \frac{y}{x} = \frac{18}{15} = \frac{6}{5} \]

It looks like the pairs \((-3, 9)\) and \((-7, 21)\) confirm a constant ratio of \(-3\). Now we can find the missing \(y\) value for \(x = -5\) by using the ratio of \(-3\):

Setting up the equation based on the ratio: \[ \frac{y}{-5} = -3 \] Multiplying both sides by \(-5\): \[ y = -3 \times -5 = 15 \]

Thus, the missing value for \(y\) when \(x = -5\) is \(15\).

Final answer: 15