The number of possible string sections (s) to be cut from a 4-inch piece of string varies inversely with the length (l) of each of these string sections. Which equation models this relationship?

Question

A) s=l/4

B) s=4/l

C) s=41

D) s+l=4

Answer 1

"Inverse proportion" is the relationship between two variables when their product is equal to a constant value. When the value of one variable increases, the other decreases, so their product is unchanged.

Now, when the question says number of sections s varies inversely with length l:

s*l = constant

or s = constant/l

Option B is of this form: s = 4/l

B is the answer.