Hello, S.Hobden!
If \(\displaystyle y\) varies directly as \(\displaystyle x\), and if \(\displaystyle x\,=\,- 4.5\) when \(\displaystyle y\,=\,13.5,\,\) find \(\displaystyle x\) when \(\displaystyle y\,=\,24\)
Since \(\displaystyle y\) varies directly as \(\displaystyle x\),
\(\displaystyle \;\;\)the equation is: \(\displaystyle \:y\:=\:kx\,\:\) for some constant \(\displaystyle k\).
We are given: \(\displaystyle \,x\,=\,-4.5,\;y\,=\,13.5\)
Substitute: \(\displaystyle \,13.5\:=\:k(-4.5)\;\;\Rightarrow\;\;k\,=\,-3\)
Hence, the equation is: \(\displaystyle \,y\;=\;-3x\)
When \(\displaystyle y\,=\,24\), we have: \(\displaystyle \,24\:=\:-3x\;\;\Rightarrow\;\;x\,=\,-8\)