Topic 2 Lesson 4
Describe Proportional Relationships: Constant of Proportionality
I can …
use the constant of proportionality in an equation to represent a proportional
relationship.
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
Solve & Discuss It!
Jamal can run 1 mile in 5.05 minutes. If Jamal
maintains this pace during a 5-kilometer (5K)
race, he expects to break the course record
of 15.25 minutes. Is Jamal’s expectation
reasonable? Explain.
Be Precise
How can you convert 5 kilometers to miles?
Focus on math practices
Reasoning Assuming that Jamal runs at a constant rate, how does his pace describe the
time it takes him to finish a race of any length?
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
How can you represent a proportional relationship with an equation?
EXAMPLE 1 Write an Equation to Represent a Proportional Relationship
A sponge is an example of a filter feeder. It takes in food by filtering water through
its body. The sponge maintains a constant flow of water through its body.
What is an equation that represents the proportional relationship between the time
and the amount of water filtered?
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
EXAMPLE 1 Write an Equation to Represent a Proportional Relationship
The constant of proportionality is the You can use k to write an equation
constant multiple that relates proportional that represents a proportional
quantities x and y. It is the value of the relationship.
ratio and is represented by k.
Make a table to find the constant of
proportionality.
Use the equation to represent the
relationship between time and the
amount of water filtered.
y = 0.8x
The constant of proportionality, k, is 0.8.
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
EXAMPLE 1 Write an Equation to Represent a Proportional Relationship
Try It! Maria made two batches of fruit punch.
The table at the right shows how many quarts
of juice she used for each batch. Write an
equation that relates the proportional quantities.
Convince Me! How does the equation change The constant of proportionality is
if the amount of grape juice is the independent An equation that represents this
variable, x, and the amount of apple juice is
the dependent variable, y? proportional relationship is y = x.
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
EXAMPLE 2 Solve Problems Using an Equation
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters. How many
centimeters long is an 18-inch ruler?
STEP 1 Write an equation to STEP 2 Use the equation to find the
represent this relationship. length of the ruler in centimeters.
y = 2.54x
y = 2.54(18)
y = 45.72
The ruler is 45.72 centimeters long.
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
EXAMPLE 2 Solve Problems Using an Equation
Try It! A florist sells a dozen roses for $35.40. She sells individual roses for the same unit
cost. Write an equation to represent the relationship between the number of roses, x, and
the total cost of the roses, y. How much would 18 roses cost?
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
EXAMPLE 3 Determine Whether y = kx Describes a Situation
Can you represent the total cost, y, for admission and x
rides at the amusement park using an equation in the form
y = kx? Explain.
STEP 1 Make a table that shows STEP 2 Compare the ratios to determine
the total cost. whether the relationship is proportional.
This relationship is not
proportional, so it cannot be
represented with an
equation of the form y = kx.
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
EXAMPLE 3 Determine Whether y = kx Describes a Situation
Try It! Balloon A is released 5 feet above the
ground. Balloon B is released at ground level.
Both balloons rise at a constant rate.
Which situation can you represent using an
equation of the form y = kx? Explain.
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Topic 2 Lesson 4
KEY CONCEPT
Two proportional quantities x and y are related by a constant multiple, or the constant of
proportionality, k.
You can represent a proportional relationship using the equation y = kx.
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