Question

What are the real-life examples of inverse proportion?

Answer 1

Hint: As one value rises while the other falls in the same proportion, it is known as the inverse proportion. Proportion represents a ratio. For example- three-fourth is a proportion represented as \[\dfrac{3}{4}\]. Inverse proportions are useful to analyze relationships between two variables moving in opposite directions.

Complete step-by-step answer:
If variable \[a\] is inversely proportional to variable \[b\] then, this can be represented in the formula:
\[a \propto \dfrac{1}{b}\]
Here \[ab = k\]where \[k\] is the proportional constant.
We can conclude that an increase in variable \[b\] causes a reduction in the value of variable \[a\]. Similarly, a decrease in variable \[b\] causes an increment in the value of variable \[a\].
Real-life examples of inverse proportion can be:
Number of workers and Time taken to complete the work - The more the number of workers, less time is taken to finish the work and vice versa.
Speed of Vehicle and Distance travelled - The faster you go, the faster you'll be able to cover the gap.
The brightness of the sunlight decreases as the distance from the sun increases.
Increases in the number of vehicles on road reduces the space available on the road.
Price and Demand – As the price of any items increases, its demand decreases.
Improvement in the health care system reduces the death rate.
Work done and energy required to do it – If a person works more, his energy will decrease and vice versa.
Expenditure and savings – The more money you spend, the less savings will be available.

Note: The opposite of inverse proportion is direct proportion. In direct proportion, when one quantity increases, the other quantity increases as well, or when one quantity decreases, the other quantity decreases as well. Real-life example of direct proportion is fuel consumption of car and distance travelled.