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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can recognise inverse proportion graphically and use inverse proportionality in a range of contexts.

      Key learning points

      1. Inverse proportion can be represented on a graph.
      2. Key features can be used to recognise inverse proportion on a graph.
      3. Inverse proportion can be used in a number of contexts.

      Keywords

      • Inverse proportion - Two variables are inversely proportional if there is a constant multiplicative relationship between one variable and the reciprocal of the other.

      Common misconception

      The graph representing a inversely proportional relationship is of the form x + y = a and will eventually meet the axes.

      The dimensions of the rectangle are ideal for highlighting this, particularly the latter part as a you cannot have a rectangle with a length of 0 cm.

      Teacher tip

      Use a dynamic graphing package to show the area of the rectangle problem. Question: 'Can I have a rectangle with a width 0f 0.005cm?' you can use the graph to show that you can.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Two variables are in proportion if they have a __________.

      constant additive relationship
      changing multiplicative relationship
      different relationship
      changing additive relationship
      Correct answer: constant multiplicative relationship

      Q2.
      5 miles = 8 kilometres. So 12 miles is kilometres.

      Correct Answer: 19.2, 19.2km, 19.2 km, 19.2 kilometres

      Q3.
      Convert 1 m³ into cm³.

      1000 cm³
      10 000 cm³
      100 000 cm³
      1 000 000 cm³
      Correct answer: 1 000 000 cm³

      Q4.
      The cost of a box of pens is £4.80. Five boxes of pens cost £ .

      Correct Answer: 24, £24.00, £24, 24.00, £ 24

      Q5.
      If $20 = £15.20, which of the following are true?

      $100 = £95.20
      $10 = £5.20
      Correct answer: $50 = £38
      Correct answer: $5 = £3.80
      Correct answer: $6 = $4.56

      Q6.
      A recipe needs 180 ml of milk to make 15 scones. You can make scones using 15 litres of milk.

      Correct Answer: 1250, 1,250, 1 250

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Two variables are inversely proportional if there is a constant multiplicative relationship between one variable and the __________ of the other variable.

      different
      division
      opposite
      Correct answer: reciprocal

      Q2.
      Which of the following is a graph representing inverse proportion?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Which of the following situations illustrate an inversely proportional relationship?

      The number of scones made and the amount of milk needed.
      The time taken to read a book and the number of pages.
      Correct answer: The time taken to complete a lap of a track and the speed.
      Correct answer: The number of pieces a plank of wood is cut into and the length of the pieces.
      The height of a wall and the number of bricks used.

      Q4.
      A and B are inversely proportional. The missing value is .

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 15, fifteen

      Q5.
      A and B are inversely proportional. The missing value is .

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 4, four

      Q6.
      It takes 3 people 4 days to build a wall. It should take 5 people days to build the same wall.

      Correct Answer: 2.4, 2.4 days

      To help you plan your 8 maths lesson on: Inverse proportion in context, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...