Symbolic Abstraction Math Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

easy
If y=kxy = kx and y=15y = 15 when x=3x = 3, find kk.

Solution

  1. 1
    Substitute: 15=k(3)15 = k(3), so k=5k = 5.
  2. 2
    The proportionality constant is 5.

Answer

k=5k = 5
Symbolic abstraction lets us use a general formula and plug in known values to find unknown parameters.

About Symbolic Abstraction

Using letter symbols to represent mathematical concepts in a form that holds independent of any specific numerical values.

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More Symbolic Abstraction Examples

Example 1 medium

The area of a circle is [formula]. Without knowing [formula], what happens to [formula] if [formula]

Example 2 hard

If [formula] and [formula], what is [formula]?

Example 4 medium

If [formula], what happens to [formula] when all three dimensions are halved?

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