Rates and variation (direct, inverse, joint) — KCSE Mathematics

KCSE Mathematics · 96 practice questions · 4 syllabus objectives

31 easy34 medium31 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Solve problems involving rates (speed, density, population density) using rate = quantity/time (or similar)

Distinguish between direct, inverse and joint variation; write and use the proportionality equation (y = kx, y = k/x, y = kxz)

Determine the constant of proportionality from a table of values and use it to find unknown quantities

Rates and variation (direct, inverse, joint)

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER5 marks

In the study of mathematical relationships, understanding how different variables interact is crucial. The following questions explore various scenarios involving proportional relationships and their implications under specific constraints. (a) y ∝ x. If y=21 when x=4, find: (i) k (ii) y when x=6 (iii) x when y=55. (3 marks) (b) z varies inversely as w. When w=4,z=6. Find z when w=6. (2 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a_i) — 1 mark
k=21/4 (1 mk)
Part (a_ii) — 1 mark
y=k×6 (1 mk)
Part (a_iii) — 1 mark
x=55/k (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
k=6×4 (1 mk)
z=k/6 (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Given that the distance (d) travelled by a vehicle is directly proportional to the time (t) spent driving, and that d = 120 km when t = 2 hours, determine the constant of proportionality and find the distance travelled when the time is increased to 5 hours. (4 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a_i) — 1 mark
k = d/t = 120 km / 2 hours = 60 km/hour (1 mk)
Part (a_ii) — 3 marks
Distance travelled = k × time = 60 km/hour × 5 hours (1 mk)
Distance travelled = 300 km (1 mk)
Final answer is 300 km (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Identify the relationship when v varies inversely with t and directly with a. If v = 10 when t = 5 and a = 2, calculate v when t = 10 and a = 4. (4 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (b) — 4 marks
Type of variation is inverse variation (1 mk)
k = v × t / a = 10 × 5 / 2 (1 mk)
k = 25 (1 mk)
v = k × a / t = 25 × 4 / 10 (1 mk)
4

Identify the type of variation represented when y varies directly with x and inversely with z. If y = 12 when x = 3 and z = 4, find the value of k. (3 marks)

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