JAMB 2011 Mathematics · Question 31

If x varies directly as square root of y and x = 81 when y = 9, Find x when y = 179\frac{7}{9}

Options

  1. A.2014\frac{1}{4}
  2. B.27
  3. C.214\frac{1}{4}
  4. D.36

Answer: D. 36

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question

We are given a variation problem where xx varies directly as the square root of yy. We are provided with an initial set of values (x=81,y=9x=81, y=9) to find the constant of variation, and then asked to find the new value of xx when y=179y = 1\frac{7}{9}.

2. Explain the concept
  • Direct Variation: When xx varies directly as y\sqrt{y}, it is written mathematically as x∝yx \propto \sqrt{y}.
  • Constant of Variation: To turn this into an equation, we introduce a constant kk: $x=kyx = k\sqrt{y}$
  • Steps: • Find kk using the first set of values. • Use the value of kk to solve for xx using the second value of yy.
3. Show the solution

Step 1: Find the constant kk Given x=81x = 81 and y=9y = 9:

81=k981 = k\sqrt{9}
81=k×381 = k \times 3
k=813k = \frac{81}{3}
k=27k = 27

Step 2: Find xx when y=179y = 1\frac{7}{9} First, convert the mixed fraction to an improper fraction:

y=179=(1×9)+79=169y = 1\frac{7}{9} = \frac{(1 \times 9) + 7}{9} = \frac{16}{9}

Now, substitute k=27k = 27 and y=169y = \frac{16}{9} into the equation x=kyx = k\sqrt{y}:

x=27×169x = 27 \times \sqrt{\frac{16}{9}}
x=27×169x = 27 \times \frac{\sqrt{16}}{\sqrt{9}}
x=27×43x = 27 \times \frac{4}{3}
x=9×4x = 9 \times 4
x=36x = 36
4. Identify the answer

Comparing our result to the options provided: A. 2014\frac{1}{4} B. 27 C. 214\frac{1}{4} D. 36

The correct option is D.

5. Tip

When dealing with square roots in variation problems, always convert mixed fractions to improper fractions first. It makes finding the square root much easier because the numerator and denominator will often be perfect squares (like 16 and 9 in this case).

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