Question 172 of 480
x varies directly as the product of u and v and inversely as their sum. If x = 3 when u = 3 and v = 1, what is the value of x if u = 3 and v = 3?
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
To solve the problem, we need to understand the relationship described in the question. The statement "x varies directly as the product of u and v and inversely as their sum" can be expressed mathematically. Let's break it down step-by-step.
### Step 1: Formulate the Relationship
The phrase "x varies directly as the product of u and v" means that:
\[ x \propto (u \cdot v) \]
This can be expressed as:
\[ x = k \cdot (u \cdot v) \]
where \( k \) is a constant of proportionality.
The phrase "and inversely as their sum" means that:
\[ x \propto \frac{1}{(u + v)} \]
This can be expressed as:
\[ x = \frac{k \cdot (u \cdot v)}{(u + v)} \]
Combining these two relationships, we get:
\[ x = k \cdot \frac{(u \cdot v)}{(u + v)} \]
### Step 2: Find the Constant \( k \)
We are given that \( x = 3 \) when \( u = 3 \) and \( v = 1 \). We can substitute these values into our equation to find \( k \).
1. Calculate \( u \cdot v \):
\[ u \cdot v = 3 \cdot 1 = 3 \]
2. Calculate \( u + v \):
\[ u + v = 3 + 1 = 4 \]
3. Substitute into the equation:
\[ 3 = k \cdot \frac{3}{4} \]
4. Solve for \( k \):
\[ k = 3 \cdot \frac{4}{3} = 4 \]
### Step 3: Use \( k \) to Find \( x \) for New Values of \( u \) and \( v \)
Now we need to find the value of \( x \) when \( u = 3 \) and \( v = 3 \).
1. Calculate \( u \cdot v \):
\[ u \cdot v = 3 \cdot 3 = 9 \]
2. Calculate \( u + v \):
\[ u + v = 3 + 3 = 6 \]
3. Substitute these values into the equation:
\[ x = 4 \cdot \frac{9}{6} \]
4. Simplify:
\[ x = 4 \cdot 1.5 = 6 \]
### Conclusion
Thus, the value of \( x \) when \( u = 3 \) and \( v = 3 \) is **6**.
### Explanation of Other Options
- **Option A (3)**: This is incorrect because it does not take into account the new values of \( u \) and \( v \) correctly.
- **Option B (4)**: This is also incorrect as it does not reflect the calculations based on the new values of \( u \) and \( v \).
- **Option D (9)**: This is incorrect because it suggests a higher value than what is calculated based on the relationship defined.
### Revision Summary
- **Direct Variation**: Understand that direct variation means the variable increases or decreases proportionally with another variable.
- **Inverse Variation**: Recognize that inverse variation means as one variable increases, the other decreases.
- **Combining Relationships**: When combining direct and inverse variations, use the formula \( x = k \cdot \frac{(u \cdot v)}{(u + v)} \).
- **Finding Constants**: Use given values to find the constant of proportionality, which is crucial for solving for other values.
This thorough understanding will help you tackle similar problems in the future!