constant of proportionality
the constant ratio in a proportional linear relationship
The constant of proportionality, also known as proportionality constant, is a constant quantity that relates two variables that are directly proportional to each other. In other words, when two variables are directly proportional, they change in the same ratio as each other.
For example, if a car travels at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour, then the distance it travels in a certain amount of time is directly proportional to the time it takes. The constant of proportionality in this case is 60, which means that the car travels 60 miles for every hour it travels.
The constant of proportionality is represented by the letter k, and it can be found by dividing one variable by the other. For example, if the variables x and y are directly proportional, then the equation for their relationship is y = kx, where k is the constant of proportionality. To find the value of k, we can divide any y-value by its corresponding x-value.
The constant of proportionality is important in mathematics, physics, and engineering, as it helps us to understand and model the relationship between two variables that are directly proportional to each other.
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