# Proportionality (mathematics)

In mathematics, two related quantities x and y are called proportional (or directly proportional) if there exists a functional relationship with a constant, non-zero number k such that

[itex]y = k \times x[itex].

In this case, k is called the proportionality constant or constant of proportionality of the relation. If y and x are proportional, we often write

[itex]y \sim x[itex] or [itex]y \propto x[itex].

For example, if you travel at a constant speed, then the distance you cover and the time you spend are proportional, the proportionality constant being the speed. Similarly, the amount of force acting on a certain object from the gravity of the Earth at sea level is proportional to the object's mass.

To test whether x and y are proportional, one performs several measurements and plots the resulting points in a Cartesian coordinate system. If the points lie on (or close to) a straight line passing through the origin (0,0), then the two variables are proportional, with the proportionality constant given by the line's slope.

The two quantities x and y are inversely proportional if there exists a non-zero constant k such that

[itex]y = {k \over x}[itex].

For instance, the number of people you hire to shovel sand is (approximately) inversely proportional to the time needed to get the job done.

• Art and Cultures
• Countries of the World (http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Countries)
• Space and Astronomy