Asked by alex

The equation y =
1
5
x represents a proportional relationship. Explain how you can tell the relationship is proportional from the graph of the equation, and how you can find the constant of proportionality.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
A proportional relationship has the form y = kx (a straight line through the origin). From the graph you can tell it's proportional because the graph is a straight line that passes through (0,0) — no y‑intercept other than 0.

The constant of proportionality k is the slope of that line. Find it by picking any nonzero point on the line and computing y/x, or by rise/run between two points. For example, the point (5,1) lies on the line, so k = 1/5. Thus y = (1/5)x.