Solutions

10 Variations Alternative Solution

∵
Extra Examples
∴ y = kx, k  0

Example 10.1R
(a) ∵ y varies directly as x.

For any two pairs of x and y, say (x1, y1) and (x2, y2),
∴ Variation constant = =
we have

(b) From the given table, we plot the graph of y against x.

By substituting x1 = 12, y1 = 21 and x2 = 28 into

the equation, we have

∴ y2 = 49
i.e. When x = 28, y =

Example 10.3R
(a) ∵ (z – 2)  x3

∴ z – 2 = kx3, k  0
By substituting x = 3 and z = 29 into the equation, we

have

(c) From the graph, when y = 7, x =

Example 10.2R
(a) ∵ y varies directly as x.

∴ y = kx, k  0 ∴
By substituting x = 12 and y = 21 into the equation, we i.e.
have

(b) When z = 66,

(b) When x = 28,

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∴ Percentage change in
Example 10.4R

(a) ∵ P  w3

∴ P = kw3, k  0
∴ y is increased by 20%.
By substituting w = 16 and P = 2048 into the equation,
Example 10.6R
we have
(a) ∵ y varies inversely as x.

∴ Variation constant = 2  75
=

(b) From the given table, we plot the graph of y against x.

(b) (i) When w = 8,

∴ The value of a piece of precious stone is

$256.

(ii) When P = 2916,

(c) From the graph, when x = 6, y = .

∴ w = 18

∴ The weight of a piece of precious stone is

Example 10.7R
18 g.
(a) ∵ y varies inversely as .

Example 10.5R ∴ y= ,k0

∵ y
By substituting x = 8 and y = 2 into the equation, we
∴ y= ,k0
have
Let x0 and y0 be the original values of x and y respectively.

∴ New value of

New value of

(b) When ,

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Alternative Solution

∵ y

∴ y= ,k0

=k

For any two pairs of x and y, say (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), we ∴ y is decreased by 48.8%.

have

By substituting x1 = 8, y1 = 2 and y2 = into the

equation, we have

Example 10.9R

i.e. When y = .
(a) ∵

Example 10.8R ∴ ,k0

∵ By substituting T = 4 and V = 25 into the equation, we

have
∴

Let x0 and y0 be the original values of x and y respectively.

∴
∴ New value of x = (1 + 25%)x0

= 1.25x0

(b) (i) When T = 2,

New value of

∴ If the car takes 2 hours to finish the journey,

the speed of the car is 50 km/h.

∴ Percentage change in

(ii) When V = 75,

∴ If the speed of the car is 75 km/h, it takes

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hours to finish the journey.

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Example 10.10R

∵ and z 

Example 10.12R
∴ ……(1)
(a) ∵ z varies directly as x2 and inversely as .
and ……(2)
∴ z= ,k0
where k1 and k2 are non-zero constants.

By substituting (2) into (1), we have By substituting x = 6, y = 4 and z = 72 into the equation,

we have

∴ z=
∵ k1 and k2 are non-zero constants.

∴ is also a non-zero constant. (b) When x = 3 and y = 16,

By letting C = , we have

Example 10.13R
, where C is a non-zero constant

i.e.

∴ ,k0
∴ y varies inversely as x.

By substituting R = 4000, A = 100 and G = 9 into the equation,

Example 10.11R we have

(a) ∵ z varies jointly as x3 and y.

∴ z = kx3y, k  0
By substituting x = 2, y = 4 and z = 64 into the equation,

we have
∴

When R = 2400 and A = 80,

∴ z = 2x3y

(b) When x = 3 and z = 108,

∴ G = 16

∴ The age of an apartment is 16.

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Example 10.14R

∵ V  wN (b) Let x0, y0 and z0 be the original values of x, y and z

∴ V = kwN, k  0 respectively.

Let w1 g, N1 and $V1 be the weight of gold, the number of ∴ New value of x = (1 – 10%)x0

jewels and the value of crown A, and w2 g, N2 and $V2 be those = 0.9x0

of crown B respectively. New value of y = (1 + 33.1%)y0

∴ V1 = kw1N1 ……(1) = 1.331y0

V2 = kw2N2 ……(2)
New value of z =

(1)  (2),

∴ Percentage change in z =

∴ N2 = 18

∴ Crown B has 18 jewels on it.

= –26.36% (cor. to 2 d.p.)

Example 10.15R ∴ z is decreased by 26.36%.

(a) ∵
Example 10.16R

(a) ∵ z partly varies directly as x and partly varies

∴ ,k0
directly as y2.
By substituting x = 2, y = 27 and z = 4 into the equation, ∴ z = k1x + k2y2, where k1, k2  0
we have By substituting x = 3, y = 2 and z = 18 into the equation,

we have

18 = k1(3) + k2(2)2

3k1 + 4k2 = 18 ……(1)

By substituting x = 4, y = 3 and z = 35 into the equation,

∴
we have

35 = k1(4) + k2(3)2

4k1 + 9k2 = 35 ……(2)

(2)  3 – (1)  4,
11k2 = 33

k2 = 3

By substituting k2 = 3 into (1), we have

3k1 + 4(3) = 18

k1 = 2

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∴ z = 2x + 3y2

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(b) When x = 2 and y = 4, Example 10.18R

z = 2(2) + 3(4)2 (a) ∵ C is partly constant and partly varies directly as

= P.

∴ C = k1 + k2P, where k1, k2  0

Example 10.17R By substituting C = 1050 and P = 25 into the equation,

(a) ∵ z partly varies directly as x and partly varies we have

inversely as . 1050 = k1 + k2(25)

k1 + 25k2 = 1050 ……(1)

∴ z = k1x + , where k1, k2  0
By substituting C = 900 and P = 20 into the equation,

By substituting x = 6, y = 9 and z = 3 into the equation, we have

we have 900 = k1 + k2(20)

k1 + 20k2 = 900 ……(2)

3 = k1(6) +
(1) – (2),

18k1 + k2 = 9 ……(1) 5k2 = 150

k2 = 30
By substituting x = 2, y = 36 and z = into the
By substituting k2 = 30 into (2), we have

equation, we have k1 + 20(30) = 900

k1 = 300
= k1(2) +
∴ C = 300 + 30P

12k1 + k2 = 7 ……(2)

(1) – (2), (b) When C = 1140,

6k1 = 2 1140 = 300 + 30P

P = 28
k1 =
∴ If the cost is $1140, the number of participants is

28.
By substituting k1 = into (1), we have

(c) When P = = 14,

C = 300 + 30(14)

= 720

∴ If the number of participants obtained in (b) is

∴ z=
halved, the cost is $720.

(b) When x = 3 and z = 19,

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Example 10.19R (c) When n = 100,

(a) ∵ C is partly constant and partly varies inversely as

n.

∴ C = k1 + , where k1, k2  0

∴ Percentage change in C =
By substituting C = 6 and n = 400 into the equation, we

have = 84.21% (cor. to 2 d.p.)

6 = k1 + ∴ The cost of each card is increased by 84.21%.

400k1 + k2 = 2400 ……(1)

By substituting C = 5.5 and n = 600 into the equation, Example 10.5X

we have (a) ∵ y  (ax2 – 1)

∴ y = k(ax2 – 1), k  0
5.5 = k1 +
By substituting x = 2 and y = 21 into the equation, we
600k1 + k2 = 3300 ……(2)
have
(2) – (1),
21 = k(a  22 – 1)
200k1 = 900
21 = k(4a – 1) ...............(1)

k1 = By substituting x = 3 and y = 51 into the equation, we

have
By substituting k1 = into (1), we have 51 = k(a  32 – 1)
51 = k(9a – 1) ...............(2)
400 + k2 = 2400 (1)  (2),

k2 = 600

∴ C=

(b) When n = 500,

(b) By substituting a = 2 into (1), we have

∴ The cost of each card is $5.7 if 500 cards are

printed.

∴ y = 3(2x2 – 1)

y = 6x2 – 3

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(c) Let x0 and y0 be the original values of x and y

i.e.
respectively.

∴ x varies inversely as z4.

∴ New value of x = 2x0

New value of y = 6(2x0)2 – 3

(b) Let x0 and z0 be the original values of x and z
= 24x02 – 3
respectively.
= 4(6x02 – 3) + 9

= 4y0 + 9
∴ New value of

∴ The new value of y is 4 times the original value

plus 9.

New value of
(d) When y = 7x,

3x + 1 = 0 or 2x – 3 = 0
∴ Percentage change in

or

Example 10.10X

(a) ∵ x  y2 and ∴ x is increased by 22.77%.

∴ x = k1y2 ……(1)
(c) Let x1 and z1 be the original values of x and z respectively.
and ……(2)
∴ New value of x = (1 + 46.41%)x1

where k1 and k2 are non-zero constants. = 1.4641x1

By substituting (2) into (1), we have New value of z =

1  C 
= 4
1.1  x1 

1
= z1
1.1

∵ k1 and k2 are non-zero constants. ∴ Percentage change in

∴ k1(k2)2 is also a non-zero constant.

By letting C = k1(k2)2, we have

, where C is a non-zero constant

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∴ z is decreased by 9.09%.

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Example 10.15X 100%

= –87.5%
(a) ∵
∴ The cost of the article is decreased by 87.5%.

Example 10.19X
∴ ,k0
(a) ∵ C is partly constant, partly varies directly as x

and partly varies directly as x2.

By substituting C = 96, S = 8 and W = 20 into the
∴ C = 2000 + k1x + k2x2, where k1, k2  0
equation, we have

By substituting C = 3000 and x = 100 into the equation,

we have

3000 = 2000 + k1(100) + k2(100)2

k1 + 100k2 = 10 ……(1)
∴
By substituting C = 2750 and x = 150 into the equation,

we have

(b) By substituting C = 240 and S = 10 into the equation, 2750 = 2000 + k1(150) + k2(150)2

we have k1 + 150k2 = 5 ……(2)

(2) – (1),

50k2 = –5

∴ The weight of the article is 12.5 g.

(c) Let C0, S0 and W0 be the original values of C, S and W By substituting into (1), we have

respectively.

∴ New value of S = S0

New value of W = 2W0

∴

New value of C =

(b) When x = 20,

= C0 ∴ The cost is $2360 when there are 20 participants.

∴ Percentage change in C = 

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(c) When C = 2960,

Pre-requisite Questions

1. (a) Travel rate

or
or

∴ There are 80 or 120 participants when the cost is

(b) Cost rate
$2960.

(d)

(c) Exchange rate

∴ When there are 100 participants, the cost is

maximum, which is equal to $3000.

(d) Typing rate

2. (a) 30 cm : 1 m

(b) 3 kg : 1500 g

(c) 1.5 L : 300 mL

3. (a) a:b

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(b) a:b

(c) a:b

7.

4. Actual length

Actual width

∵ Actual area

5. 1 Euro = 9.73 HKD

∴ a:b:c
∴ 1 HKD

8. a:b=3:4

b:c=2:5
1 GBP
=22:52
= 4 : 10

∴ 100 GBP (cor. to the nearest ∴ a : b : c = 3 : 4 : 10

Euro) ∴ a :c
2 2

6. The required ratio

9. (a)

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(b)

11. (a)

(c)

(b)

10. (a)

(c)

(b)

(c)

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(d)

(e)

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12. (a)

(b)

(b)

14. Required ratio

(c)

∴ The amount that A gets

15. Largest interior angle

Smallest interior angle

13. (a)

Difference

16. (a) The larger number

The smaller number

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(b) The larger number

The smaller number

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17. (a)
19. Let the present ages of the mother and her daughter be x

and y respectively.

 (1)
AD : DC = 3 : 4

=32:42
 (2)
=6:8
∵ AC : CB = 14 : 17 From (2),
∴ AD : DC : CB

(b) AD : DC : CB = 6 : 8 : 17 (by (a))

∴  (3)

Put (3) into (1),

Put y = 12 into (3),

18. Let the larger number be x and the smaller number be y.

∵ x:y=3:2

∴ The present ages of the mother and her daughter

∴  (1)
are 34 and 12 respectively.
 (2)

From (2),

x = y + 13  (3)
Put (3) into (1),

Put y = 26 into (3),

∴ The two numbers are 39 and 26.

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Level 1 Questions 2. (a) ∵ yx

1. (a) ∵ y varies directly as x. y = kx, k  0

∴ y = kx, k  0
By substituting x = and y = 6 into the
By substituting x = 1 and y = 3 into the equation,

we have k = 3 equation, we have

When x = 2,

When y = 15,

When x = 0,

When x = 4,

When x = ,

(b) ∵ y varies directly as x.

∴ y = kx, k  0
By substituting x = 2 and y = 6.2 into the

equation, we have When y = 14,

When x = 4,

When y = 24.8,

When y = 310,

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(b) ∵ yx
y=
∴ y = kx, k  0
By substituting x = 25, y = 10 into the equation,

we have

4. (a) (i) ∵ y varies directly as x + 1.

∴ Variation constant

When x = 1,

(ii) The equation connecting x and y is

When y = 4, (b) (i) ∵ y varies directly as x + 1.

∴ Variation constant

(ii) The equation connecting x and y is

When y = 16, .

5. (a) ∵ y varies directly as x3.

∴ y = kx3, k  0
By substituting x = 2 and y = 16 into the
equation, we have

∴ The equation connecting x and y is y = 2x3.

(b) When y = –54,

3. (a) (i) ∵ y varies directly as .

∴ Variation constant

(ii) The equation connecting x and y is 6. (a) ∵ t varies directly as .

∴ ,k0
By substituting t = 20 and s = 16 into the equation,
(b) (i) ∵ y varies directly as . we have

∴ Variation constant

∴ The equation connecting t and s is

.
(ii) The equation connecting x and y is
(b) When t = 30,

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7. ∵ y varies directly as x.
∴ y = kx, k  0
From the figure, (1, 5) lies on the graph.
∴

∴ The equation connecting x and y is y = 5x.

8. ∵ y varies directly as x.
∴ y = kx, k  0
From the figure, (3, 1) lies on the graph.

11. ∵ C  r2
∴ The equation connecting x and y is . ∴ C = kr2, k  0
By substituting r = 3 and C = 36 into the equation, we
have
9. ∵ y  x2
∴ y = kx2, k  0
Let and be the original values of x and y When r = 7,
respectively.

∴ New value of x
∴ The cost of painting a sphere of radius 7 cm is
$196.
New value of y
12. (a) ∵
∴ ,k0
∴ Percentage change in y By substituting C = 28 and w = 16 into the
equation, we have

(b) When w = 36,

10. ∵ ∴ The postal cost of a 36 kg parcel is $42.

∴ ,k0 13. (a) ∵ y varies inversely as x.

Let and be the original values of p and q
∴ ,k0
respectively.
By substituting x = 6 and y = 4 into the equation,
∴ New value of q
we have

New value of p

When y = 8,
∴ Percentage change in p

When x = 8,

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When x = 24,

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(b) ∵ y varies inversely as x.

∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 5 and y = 8 into the equation,

we have

(b) ∵ y varies inversely as .

When x = 2, ∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 81 and y = 4 into the

equation, we have

When x = 10,

When y = 2, When y = 9,

14. (a) ∵ y varies inversely as .

When x = 36,
∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 4 and y = 50 into the

equation, we have

When ,

When x = 25,

15. (a) (i) ∵ y varies inversely as x2.

When , ∴ Variation constant

(ii) The equation connection x and y is

(b) (i) ∵ y varies inversely as x2.

When , ∴ Variation constant

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(ii) The equation connecting x and y is ∴

. By substituting x = 1 and y = 4 into the equation,

we have

16. (a) (i) ∵ y varies inversely as x + 3.

∴ Variation constant

∴ The equation connecting x and y is

(ii) The equation connection x and y is
.
.

(b) (i) ∵ y varies inversely as x + 3. (b) When ,

∴ Variation constant

(ii) The equation connecting x and y is

. 19. ∵ y varies inversely as x.

∴ ,k0
17. (a) ∵ y varies inversely as x – 2.
From the figure, (2, 2) lies on the graph.
∴ ,k0
∴
By substituting x = 4 and y = 6, we have

∴ The equation connecting x and y is .

20. ∵ y varies inversely as x.

∴ The equation connecting x and y is ∴ ,k0

.
From the figure, lies on the graph.

(b) When y = 8,
∴

∴ The equation connecting x and y is .

21. ∵ y varies inversely as x3.

∴ ,k0

Let and be the original values of x and y

respectively.

18. (a) ∵ x varies inversely as 3y – 5.

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∴ New value of x

New value of y
∴

∴ Percentage change in y

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22. ∵

∴ ,k0

Let and be the original values of x and y

respectively.
∴ The time required for the car to travel through the
∴ New value of x
tunnel is minutes.

24. Let x be the number of days and n be the number of

New value of y workers.
∴

∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 15 and n = 12 into the equation, we

have

∴ Percentage change in

When n = 9,

∴ 20 workers are needed to finish the task in 9

days.

25. (a) ∵ y varies directly as x + 1.

∴ y = k(x + 1)
23. Let V ms–1 be the speed of the car and t min be the time
(b) ∵ z varies jointly as and y.
required to travel through the tunnel.
∴
∵
(c) ∵ z varies jointly as x2 and .
∴ ,k0 ∴
By substituting V = 50 and t = 10 into the equation, we
have (d) ∵ z varies inversely as x and directly as t3.

∴ 26. (a) ∵ s varies jointly as t2 and a.

When V = 75, ∴ s = kat2, k  0
By substituting s = 100, a = 2 and t = 5 into the

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equation, we have

∴ The equation connecting s, t and a is

s = 2at2.

(b) When a = 3 and t = 2,

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27. (a) ∵ z varies directly as x2 and inversely as y.

∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 2, y = 3 and z = 8 into the

equation, we have

29. ∵ V varies directly as T and inversely as P.

∴ ,k0

Let V0, T0 and P0 be the original values of V, T and P

respectively.

∴ The equation connecting x, y and z is ∴ New value of T

.
New value of P

(b) When y = 2 and z = 27,

New value of V

∴ Percentage change in V

28. ∵ y varies directly as x3 and inversely as z2.

∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 2, y = 32 and z = 1 into the equation,

we have 30. ∵ P varies inversely as q and directly as r2.

∴ ,k0

Let P0, and be the original values of P, q and

r respectively.
∴
∴ New value of q
When x = 1 and z = 3,

New value of r

New value of P

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∴ Percentage change in P

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31. (a) S varies jointly as p2 and q.

S = kp2q, k  0
By substituting S = 48, p = 2 and q = 4 into the

equation, we have ∴  (2)

∴ The equation connecting S, p and q is

S = 3p2q.
(2) – (1),

(b) Let , and S0 be the original values of p,

q and S respectively. By substituting k2 = –1 into (1), we have

∴ New value of p

New value of q ∴

New value of S
(b) When x = 2,

∴ Percentage change in

33. ∵ a partly varies directly as b2 and partly varies

inversely as c.

∴ , where k1, k2  0

By substituting a = 4, b = 1 and c = 1 into the equation,

we have

32. (a) ∵ y partly varies directly as x and partly  (1)

varies inversely as x. By substituting a = 5, b = 1 and c = 2 into the equation,

we have
∴ , where k1, k2  0
 (2)
By substituting x = 1 and y = 7 into the equation,

we have (2) – (1),

 (1)

By substituting and y = –2 into the

equation, we have By substituting into (1), we have

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34. (a) ∵ w is partly constant and partly varies 35. ∵ y is partly constant and partly varies inversely as

directly as v. x.

∴ w = k1 + k2v, where k1, k2  0

∴ , where k1, k2  0
By substituting v = 2 and w = 4 into the equation,

we have From the figure, (1, 11) and (25, 6.2) lie on the graph.

4 = k1 + 2k2  (1) By substituting x = 1 and y = 11 into the equation, we

By substituting v = 8 and w = 6 into the equation, have

we have  (1)

6 = k1 + 8k2  (2) By substituting x = 25 and y = 6.2 into the equation, we

(1) – (2), have

 (2)

(1) – (2),

By substituting into (1), we have

By substituting k2 = 5 into (1), we have

∴ The equation connecting w and v is

.
∴

(b) When w = 12,

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36. (a) ∵ C is partly constant and partly varies 37. (a) ∵ F is partly constant and partly varies

directly as n. directly as V2.

∴ C = k1 + k 2n, where k1, k2  0 ∴ F = k1 + k 2V2, where k1, k2  0

By substituting n = 20 and C = 1700 into the By substituting V = 40 and F = 98 into the

equation, we have equation, we have

1700 = k 1 + 20 k 2  (1)
By substituting n = 30 and C = 2300 into the  (1)
equation, we have By substituting V = 50 and F = 125 into the

2300 = k 1 + 30 k 2  (2) equation, we have

(2) – (1),

 (2)
(2) – (1),

By substituting k2 = 60 into (1), we have

By substituting into (1), we have

∴ The equation connecting C and n is

C = 500 + 60n.

(b) When n = 40,

∴ The equation connecting V and F is

.
∴ The cost of the party is $2900.

(b) When F = 242,

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Level 2 Questions
1. ∵

∴ , where k1 is a non-zero constant ......

(1) ∴
∵

∴ , where k2 is a non-zero constant ......

(2)

By substituting (2) into (1), we have

∵ k1 and k2 are non-zero constants.

∴ k1k22 is also a non-zero constant.

By letting , we have

, where k3 is a non-zero constant.

i.e.

2. (a) ∵

∴
By substituting and into the

equation, we have

∴
By substituting and into the

equation, we have

By substituting (2) into (1), we have

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(b) When ,

(c) When ,

3. (a) ∵ varies directly as

.
∴
By substituting and into the 5. (a) ∵ y varies directly as .

equation, we have ∴ 
By substituting and into the

equation, we have
∴

By substituting and into the

(b) When , equation, we have

(2) ÷ (1),
(c) When ,

4. (a) ∴ varies directly as .

∴ (b) By substituting into (1), we have

By substituting and into the

equation, we have
∴

(c) When ,
∴

(b) When ,

40
 Solutions

6. (a) ∵ y varies directly as and .

∴ , where
By substituting and into the

equation, we have

By substituting and into the

equation, we have

(2) ÷ (1),

(b) By substituting into (1), we have

(c) When ,

41
Solutions

42
 Solutions

7. (a) ∵ By substituting and

∴
into the equation, we have
By substituting and into the

equation, we have
∴
......(1)
By substituting and

into the equation, we have

......(2)

(2) ÷ (1),

(b) By substituting into (1), we have

8. (a) ∵ E varies directly as m.

∴

43
Solutions

(b) When ,

∴ The percentage change in energy

9. (a) ∵
∴ ,
By substituting and into the

equation, we have

(b) Let and be the original values of r and

V respectively.

∴ New value of

By substituting into the

equation, we have

Percentage increase in r

44
 Solutions

10. (a) ∵ (b) When ,

∴
By substituting and into the

equation, we have

(b) Let W0 and L0 be the original values of W and L

respectively.

∴ New value of
12. (a) ∵ m varies inversely as n.

New value of By substituting and into the

equation, we have

∴
∴ Percentage increase in L

(b) ∵
∴

By substituting into the equation,

we have

11. (a) ∵ C varies inversely as .

By substituting and into the

equation, we have or

By substituting into , we

have

∴
By substituting into , we

have

∴ The values of m and n are

45
Solutions

or

46
 Solutions

13. (a) ∵ varies inversely as .

∴
By substituting and into the 14. (a) ∵ y varies inversely as .

equation, we have
∴

......(1) By substituting and into the

By substituting and into equation, we have

the equation, we have

......(1)
......(2)

(1) ÷ (2), By substituting and into the

equation, we have

(b) By substituting into (2), we have

......(2)

∴
(1) ÷ (2),

(c) When ,

(b) By substituting into (1), we have

47
Solutions

48
 Solutions

15. (a) ∵

∴
16. (a) ∵ y varies inversely as x.
By substituting and into
∴
the equation, we have
By substituting and into the

equation, we have

......(1)
......(1)
By substituting and into the

By substituting and into equation, we have

the equation, we have

......(2)

......(2)
(2) ÷ (1),
By substituting (2) into (1), we have

(b) From (2),

(b) By substituting into (2), we have

From (1),

∴ when .

49
Solutions

17. (a) ∵

18. ∵ r2 varies inversely as h.

∴
∴

Let and be the original values of r and h

respectively.

New value of

(b) When ,
New value of

∴ The selling price of a 10-year-old car is

$7500.

Percentage change in
(c) When ,

∴ The age of the car is 6.12 years.

∴ The base radius of the cylinder is decreased by

9.09%.

50
 Solutions

19. (a) ∵

By substituting and , 21. (a) ∵ p varies directly as the square root of r and

we have the cube of s, and inversely as the square

of q.

∴
∴

By substituting , , and

(b) When ,
into the equation, we have

The percentage change in the cost of producing

∴
the device

∴ The cost of producing the device increases

by 20%.
(b) ∵

20. (a) ∵ R varies directly as x and y2 and inversely as ∴

z3. By substituting

into the
∴
equation, we have
By substituting , , and

into the equation, we have

(b) By substituting , and 22. (a) ∵ Q varies jointly as v and .

into the equation, we have ∴

By substituting , and

51
Solutions

into the equation, we have

52
 Solutions

(b) Let , and be the original values

of v, Q and u respectively.
New value of (b) Let , and be the original value of

New value of x, y and z.

∵ New value of

New value of
∴

New value of New value of

Percentage change in v

∴ The required ratio

∴ v increases by 41.4%.

23. (a) ∵ x varies jointly as y2 and z.

∴
By substituting , and

into the equation, we have

24. (a) ∵

∴ By substituting , and

into the equation, we have

By substituting and into the

equation, we have

53
Solutions

54
 Solutions

(b) Let , and be the original values of The percentage change in r

P, l and r respectively.

New value of

∴ r is increased by 145%.
New value of
25. ∵

New value of

Let $CA, hA cm and rA cm be the cost of making cylindrical

can A, height of can A and base radius of can A respectively.

Let $CB, hB cm and rB cm be the cost of making cylindrical

∴ The percentage change in P can B, height of can B and base radius of can B respectively.

(c) Let , and be the original values of

P, l and r respectively. ∴ The base radius of can B is 4 cm.

New value of
26. Let $P be the selling price of a silver coin.
New value of ∵

∴ ,
∵
Let $PA, tA cm and dA cm be the selling price, the thickness
∴ and the diameter of the silver coin A respectively.

Let $PB, tB cm and dB cm be the selling price, the thickness

and the diameter of the silver coin B respectively.

∴ New value of

55
Solutions

∵ The diameter of the larger coin is 6 cm.

∴

∴ The diameter of the smaller coin is 1 cm.

56
 Solutions

27. ∵ z varies directly as x and inversely as y2.

∴ , where k1 is a non-zero constant ......

(1)

∵ x varies inversely as t.

∴ , where k2 is a non-zero constant ......(2)

∵ y varies directly as t. 28. (a) ∵ y partly varies directly as x and partly

∴ , where k3 is a non-zero constant ......(3) varies directly as x2.

By substituting (3) into (1), we have ∴

By substituting and into the

equation, we have

......(4)
......(1)

By substituting and into the

From (2), we have .
equation, we have

By substituting into (4), we have

......(2)
(2)  (1),

By substituting into (1), we have

∵ k1, k2 and k3 are non-zero constants. ∴

∴ is also a non-zero constant. (b) When ,

By letting , we have
(c) When ,

, where k is a non-zero constant.

i.e.

or

57
Solutions

29. (a) ∵ y partly varies directly as x and partly

varies directly as x2. 30. (a) ∵ y is partly constant, partly varies directly
∴ , where k1, as x and partly varies directly as x2.
By substituting and into the ∴ , where k1, k2 and

equation, we have
By substituting and into the
......(1) equation, we have
By substituting and into the

equation, we have ....

..(1)
......(2) By substituting and into the

(2)  (1), equation, we have

∴
....
By substituting into (1), we have
..(2)

By substituting and into the

∴
equation, we have

(b) When , ....

..(3)
By substituting (1) into (2), we have

......(4)

By substituting (1) into (3), we have

(c)

....

..(5)

(4) – (5),

By substituting into (4), we have

Hence, the maximum value of y is .

58
 Solutions

(b)

∴ The maximum value of y is .

59
Solutions

31. (a) ∵ The cost ($C) of manufacturing an article

is made up of a fixed amount ($A) and an 32. (a) ∵ The unit cost ($C) of making a plastic bag

operation cost. The operation cost varies is partly constant and partly varies

inversely as the number of articles (n) inversely as the total number of bags (n)

produced. made.

∴ ∴

By substituting and into the By substituting and into the

equation, we have equation, we have

……(1) ……(1)

By substituting and into By substituting and into

the equation, we have the equation, we have

……(2) ……(2)

(1) – (2) × 2, (1) – (2),

(b) Put into (1), we have

By substituting into (1), we have

(c) The new cost of manufacturing an article

By substituting into (b) When ,

, we have

∴ 125 articles should be produced ∴ 600 bags must be made.

60
 Solutions

61
Solutions

(c) When , ∴ 1200 school badges must be made if the

cost of one badge is $0.6.

(b) When ,

∴ The cost of making a plastic bag is $0.5. By substituting into the equation,

we have

33. (a) Let $C and n be the unit cost of making school

badges and the total number of badges made

respectively.

∵ The unit cost of making school badge is ∴ The cost of making a badge is $0.62 if

partly constant and partly varies inversely 1000 badges are made.

as the total number of school badges made.

34. (a) ∵ A salesman’s monthly income is partly

∴
constant and partly varies directly as his
By substituting and into sales in this month.

the equation, we have ∴

By substituting and
......(1)
into the equation, we have
By substituting and into ......(1)

the equation, we have By substituting and

into the equation, we have

......(2)
....

(1)  (2), ..(2)

(2)  (1),

By substituting into (1), we have

By substituting into (1), we have

∴ ......(3)

When , (b) When ,

62
 Solutions

∴ The income of the salesman is $19 000.

63
Solutions

(c) When ,

Level 2+ Questions
1. ∵ C varies directly as 2.

∴ The sales in that month should be ∴ C = k12, k1 > 0

$480 000 if the salesman wants to have an ∵ S varies directly as .

income of $28 000. ∴ S = k2, k2 > 0

∵ Profit = Selling price  Cost

35. (a) ∵ The running cost ($C) of a language course ∴
in a school is partly constant and partly

varies directly as the square of the number When  = 50, P = 0.

of student (n) enrolled.

∴
∴

By substituting and into

the equation, we have

∴

......(1)
By substituting and into

the equation, we have ∵ k1 > 0

∴ P attains its maximum when  = 25.

......(2) ∴ When the length of the cubical block is 25 cm,

the profit obtained will be maximized.

(2)  (1),

By substituting into (1), we have

2. (a) ∵ y2 – x2 varies inversely as .

(b) When n = 50,

(c) Profit ∴ (y2 – x2)2 = kx2 y2 , k ≠ 0

∴ y2 – x2  x2y2
The percentage of profit

64
 Solutions

(b) ∵ y2 + x2 varies inversely as .

(b) When C = 27,

∴ Let f(t) = 2t3 + 9t2  27.

∴ t + 3 is a factor of f(t).

By long division,
∴ ,k≠0

∴ y4 – x4  x2y2

3. (a) ∵ C partly varies directly as t3 and partly ∴

varies directly as t2.

∴ or
∴ C = k1t + k2t2, where k1, k2 ≠ 0

By substituting t = 1 and C = 11 into the

equation, we have 4. (a) ∵ S partly varies directly as n and partly

varies directly as n2.

……(1) ∴ , where k1, k2 ≠ 0

By substituting t = 2 and C = 52 into the When n = 1, S = 1.

equation, we have ∴
……(1)

When n = 2, S = 1 + 2 = 3.
……(2) ∴

(2) – (1), ……(2)

k1 = 2 (1)  2 – (2),
By substituting k1 = 2 into (1), we have

∴
By substituting into (1), we have

65
Solutions

66
 Solutions

By substituting k2 = 800 into (2), we have

(b) By substituting n = 100 into , we

have

∴ T = 6000 + 800n

(b) By substituting n = 50 into the equation, we have

By substituting n = 160 into , we

have

The expenditure shared by all staff

∴ The expenditure shared by each staff

∴ Each staff has to pay $230 for the course.

5. (a) ∵ T is partly constant and partly varies

directly as n. (c) The total expenditure of the course

∴ , where k1, k2 ≠ 0

When the company has to pay $40 500,

By substituting T = 66 into the equation, we have

By substituting T = 54 000 and n = 60 into the

equation, we have
……(1) ∴ The number of staff enrolled in the course

When the company has to pay $28 500, is 75.

By substituting T = 38 000 and n = 40 into the

equation, we have
……(2)

(1) – (2),

67
Solutions

6. (a) ∵ z varies directly as (x – y) and inversely as

(b) By substituting into , we
xy.

have
∴ ,k≠0

By substituting x = 2, y = 1 and z = into the

equation, we have

From the graph of y = x2 – 3x – 10,

when

x < 2 or x > 5

∴ When , x < 2 or x > 5.

68
 Solutions

5. B

Multiple Choice Questions

1. B ∴ y = 2x + 1
∵ ∴ y varies directly as (2x + 1).
∴ ,k0
6. D
By substituting x = 4 and y = 10 into the equation, we
have and

∴ ∴  (1)

When y = 5,
and  (2)

∴ I is not correct.
II is correct.
2. A By substituting (2) into (1),
∵ y varies directly as (2x + 1).
∴ y = k(2x + 1), k  0
By substituting x = 3 and y = 21 into the equation, we
have

∴ x varies directly as z.
∴ III is correct.
∴
7. D
When y = 39, ∵ y varies directly as x.
∴ y = kx, k  0

∴ I is not correct.

3. B
∵ (y – 1) varies directly as (x + 1).
∴ (y – 1) = k(x + 1), k  0
By substituting x = 4 and y = 3 into the equation, we By letting ,
have

∴ ∴

∴ II is correct.
When x = 14,
∵

By letting ,

4. C ∴
∴ III is correct

∴ y = 4x2
∴ y varies directly as x2.

69
Solutions

70
 Solutions

8. C
∵ y varies directly as x2.
∴ y = kx2, k  0
Let and be the original values of x and y
respectively.

The new value of x

The new value of y

The percentage change in y

∴ y is decreased by 19%.

9. B
∵ (y + 1)2 varies directly as x.
∴ (y + 1)2 = kx, k  0
When y = 9,

When y = 10,

The percentage change in x

10. A
∵ y varies inversely as .

∴ ,k0

By substituting y = 4 and x = 9 into the equation, we

have

When x = 36,

71
Solutions

11. A
∵ z varies directly as (x2 – x).
∴ z = k(x2 – x), k  0
By substituting x = 2 and z = 1 into the equation, we
have

When x = 5,

12. C
∵ x varies as (4y – 5)2.

∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 32 and y = 2 into the equation, we

have

When x = 18,

13. B

72
 Solutions

14. D

15. D

∴ , k1  0  (1)

∵
∴ , k2  0  (2)
By substituting (2) into (1), we have

By letting , we have

,k0

i.e.

16. A
∵ x varies inversely as y3.

∴ ,k0

Let and be the original values of x and y

respectively.
The new value of y

The new value of x

The percentage change in x

73
Solutions

17. D
∵ p varies inversely as (3q – 1).

∴ ,k0

When q = 2,

When q = 3,

Percentage change in p

18. C
∵ z varies directly as x2 and varies inversely as y.

∴ ,k0

By substituting x = 2, x = 1 and y = 2 into the equation,

we have

When x = 2 and z = 32,

19. B
∵ z varies jointly as and y2.
∴ ,k0
By substituting x = 4, y = 4 and z = 16 into the equation,
we have

When x = 81 and y = 6,

74
 Solutions

20. D
, k4  0
∵ z varies jointly as x and y.
∴ z = kxy, k  0
∵ The value of y is kept constant. ∴
∴ y = y1 for some constant value of y1
∴ z = kxy1 ∴ II is correct.
By letting k = ky1, we have
z = kx
i.e. z  x (1) – (2), we have
21. C
∵ a varies directly as and inversely as c2.
∵ k1 is not necessary equal to k2.
∴ ,k0 ∴ III is not correct.

23. B
∵ x varies directly as y2 and inversely as .

∴ , k1  0

Let , and be the original values of x, y

22. A and z respectively.
∵
New value of y
∴ , k1  0  (1)

∵ New value of z

∴ , k2  0  (2)

 (3)
New value of x
By substituting (3) into (1), we have

By letting k3 = k1 k22, we have

The percentage change in x

∴ I is correct.

24. A
(1)  (2), ∵ w varies jointly as x and y.
∴ w = kxy, k  0
Let , and be the original values of x, y
and w respectively.

New value of x

By letting , we have
New value of y

75
Solutions

New value of w

The percentage change in w

76
 Solutions

25. B
∵ p varies directly as q and inversely as r3.
 (2)
∴ ,k0 (2) – (1),

Let , and be the original values of p, q

and r respectively.
New value of q = By substituting k2 = 1 into (1), we have

New value of r =

New value of p 28. A

∵ z partly varies directly as x and partly varies
inversely as y.

∴ , where k1, k2  0

By substituting x = 1, y = 1 and z = 5 into the equation,

we have
∴

∴ The ratio of the new value of p to the original one  (1)

is 1 : 4. By substituting x = 1, y = 2 and z = 4 into the equation,
we have
26. D
∵ z varies directly as x2 and inversely as y3.

∴ ,k0
 (2)
Let , and be the original values of x, y
and z respectively. (1) – (2),
New value of y = 2y0
New value of x = 3x0
∴

By substituting k2 = 2 into (1), we have

New value of z

29. A
∴ ∵ y partly varies directly as x2 and partly varies
inversely as .
∴ The new value of z to the original one is 9 : 8.
∴ , where k1, k2  0
27. C
∵ y partly varies directly as x and partly varies
directly as x2. 30. D
∴ y = k1x + k2x2, where k1, k2  0 ∵ y is partly constant and partly varies directly as
By substituting x = 1 and y = 3 into the equation, we x2.
have ∴ y = k1 + k2x2, where k1, k2  0

31. B
 (1) ∵ y is partly constant and partly varies directly as x.
By substituting x = 2 and y = 8 into the equation, we ∴ y = k1 + k2x, where k1, k2  0
have By substituting x = 0 and y = 2 into the equation, we

77
Solutions

have

……(1)

By substituting x = 1 and y = 8 into the equation, we

have

……(2)

∴ y = 2 + 6x
When x = 2,

32. B
∵ y is partly constant and partly varies inversely as
x 2.

∴ , where k1, k2  0

By substituting x = 1 and y = 20 into the equation, we

have

(1)
By substituting x = 3 and y = 4 into the equation, we
have

(2)
(1) – (2),

By substituting k2 = 18 into (1), we have

When x = –2,

33. D
∵ x2 = k + y2, k  0

78