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View Full Version : Inverse/Direct function


ExodusNow
Feb 28, 2007, 05:37 PM
Ok in my Algebra class we are learning about functions and such, and yesterday we learned about inverse variation. So I stumble across this problem in my homework and I have no idea what to do. Here it is:

Directions:
f is the frequency, l is the wavelength, and v is the speed of sound. Use this information in the following problems.

15) The frequency of a note an octave about a given note is twice that of the given note. How does the wavelength of the higher note compare with that of the lower one?

EDIT
Well I forgot to put what I DO understand so far so here goes...
I know for inverse variations I need to do x1 * y1 = x2 * y2 and in direct variation I need to do x1/x2 = y1/y2. The thing is I have no idea what to make of this problem. Is it direct variation? Is it inverse variation? "The frequency of a note an octave about a given note is twice that of the given note"... does this mean I need to write 2f+1 = f? Since its twice that of the given note (2f) and is an octave above a given note (+1). Then it tells me "How does the wavelength of the higher note compare with that of the lower one?"... does this mean I have to set up a proportion? If I were to set up a proportion would that mean the problem is a direct variation problem? And if I have to set up a proportion, how do I do it with the given information?

tickle
Feb 28, 2007, 06:10 PM
I have no idea. I wasn't good at algebra in school, but have learned that for difficult medical questions and sources of information, if I Google it and am patient, the answer will be forthcoming. So try Google and good luck