Word problem, algebra

Question

Pressure varies inversely as volume. When the pressure is 16 pascals, the volume is 84 liters. What would the volume be if the pressure is reduced to 12 pascals?

Answer 1

"Pressure varies inversely as volume" means P = k/V where "k" is the constant of proportionality.

We are given the information that "When the pressure is 16 pascals, the volume is 84 liters" so using P = k/v and plugging in the values:

16 = k/84

k = (16)(84) = 1344

So now we have P = 1344/V

Now we can solve for V when P = 12:

12 = 1344/V

12V = 1344

V = 1344/12

V = 112 liters

Answer 2

The equation used for this problem is P1V1=P2V2. The values given are as follows:

P1=16 pascals

V1=84 liters

P2=12 pascals

V2= ?

Plugging that into the equation and solving for the unknown variable gives V2=(16)(84)/(12)= 112 L