If N varies directly as M and N = 8 when M = 20 find M when N = 7
Answer Details
When two variables are said to vary directly with each other, it means that as one increases or decreases, the other also increases or decreases by the same factor or proportion. This relationship can be expressed as:
N = kM
where k is the constant of proportionality.
To find the value of k, we can use the initial values given: N = 8 when M = 20.
8 = k(20)
Solving for k, we get:
k = 8/20 = 0.4
Now that we know the value of k, we can use it to find M when N = 7.
7 = 0.4M
Solving for M, we get:
M = 7/0.4 = 17.5
Therefore, M is equal to 17.5 when N is equal to 7.
The answer is \(17\frac{1}{2}\).