Proportional relationships are mathematical relationships where two quantities vary directly with each other. In other words, as one quantity increases or decreases, the other quantity also changes in the same proportion.
For example, let's consider a scenario where a car travels at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour (mph). The distance traveled by the car and the time it takes to travel that distance are directly proportional.
If the car drives for 2 hours, the distance traveled would be 60 miles/hour * 2 hours = 120 miles. If the car drives for 3 hours, the distance traveled would be 60 miles/hour * 3 hours = 180 miles. The distance traveled is directly proportional to the time taken to travel that distance, with a constant rate of change of 60 miles/hour.
Proportional relationships can also be represented using a proportional equation or equation of the form y = kx, where y is the dependent variable, x is the independent variable, and k is the constant of proportionality. In the above example, the equation relating distance (y) to time (x) would be y = 60x.
Proportional relationships are useful in various real-life situations such as calculating fuel consumption, determining rates of growth or decay, and solving problems involving similar shapes. They help establish a consistent and predictable relationship between two varying quantities.
Use proportional relationships
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