This exam tips covers Common Mistakes within Inverse Proportion for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Inverse Proportion in Ratio & Proportion for GCSE Mathematics with 15 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 5 of 6 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Common Mistakes
- WRONG: Using y = kx for inverse (that's direct!) (Should be y = k/x)
- WRONG: More workers take MORE time (Inverse means opposite!)
- RIGHT: Check logic - does your answer make sense?
Practice questions for Inverse Proportion
Which of the following correctly reads the mathematical statement y ∝ 1/x?
Explain what it means for y to be inversely proportional to x. Your answer should refer to the equation and the graph.
Quick recall flashcards
What shape is the graph of y = k/x?
A hyperbola — a curved line that never touches either axis. For k > 0, the curve is in the 1st and 3rd quadrants.
What is the formula for inverse proportion?
y = k/x, where k is the constant of proportionality. The product xy is always constant.