Question

the relationship between the weight of an object on mars and its weight on earth is proportional. an object that weighs 50 pounds on earth would weigh 20 pounds on mars. write an equation to show the relationship between x, an objects weight on earth, and y, its weight on mars.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the constant of proportionality

Since the relationship is proportional, we use the formula \( y = kx \), where \( k \) is the constant of proportionality. We know that when \( x = 50 \) (Earth weight), \( y = 20 \) (Mars weight). So we find \( k \) by substituting these values into the formula: \( k=\frac{y}{x}=\frac{20}{50} = 0.4 \).

Step2: Write the equation

Now that we have \( k = 0.4 \), we substitute it back into the proportionality formula \( y = kx \) to get the equation relating \( x \) and \( y \).

Answer:

\( y = 0.4x \)