Constant of Variation

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒn.stənt ʌv ˌvɛər.iˈeɪ.ʃən/ Explain

The constant of variation is the ratio by which the input and output vary in direct variation or direct proportion. Constant of variation means the same thing as constant of proportion.

The general equation for direct variation is the linear equation, y = kx where k is the constant of variation (or constant of proportion). The constant of variation is also the slope of the line representing the relationship between input and output.

In the equation y = 3x, the constant of variation is 3.

In the equation r = 0.6t, the constant of variation is 0.6.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, constant of variation. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 44. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book
2. Lyman, Elmer A.; and Darnell, Albertus. Elementary Algebra. pg 448. www.archive.org. American Book Company. 1917. Last Accessed 6/25/2018. http://www.archive.org/stream/elementaryalgebr00lymarich#page/448/mode/1up/search/constant+variation. Buy the book
3. Reitz, H. L.; and Crathorne, A. R.. College Algebra. revised edition. pg 97. www.archive.org. Henry Holt and Company. 1919. Last Accessed 6/25/2018. http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924031219029#page/n118/mode/1up/search/constant+variation. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Constant of Variation. 4/16/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/c/constantofvariation.html.

Revision History

4/16/2019: Updated equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
6/25/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup, updated GeoGebra apps. (McAdams, David E.)
5/5/2011: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)
3/4/2008: Added Growth to See Also. (McAdams, David E.)
2/4/2008: Added examples. (McAdams, David E.)