Problem 27

Question

Solve. If \(L\) varies inversely as the square of \(h,\) and \(L=8\) when \(h=3,\) find \(L\) when \(h=2\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
When \(h = 2\), the value of \(L\) is 18.
1Step 1: Set up the inverse variation equation
Since \(L\) varies inversely as the square of \(h\), we can write the relationship as an equation of the form: \[L = \frac{k}{h^2}\] where k is the constant of proportionality.
2Step 2: Find the constant of proportionality (k)
We are given the initial values for \(L\) and \(h\) as \(L = 8\) and \(h = 3\). We can substitute these values into our equation to solve for k: \[8 = \frac{k}{3^2}\] \[8 = \frac{k}{9}\] Now, we need to solve for k: \[k = 8 \cdot 9\] \[k = 72\]
3Step 3: Find the value of L when h = 2
Now that we have our constant of proportionality, k = 72, we can find the value of \(L\) when \(h = 2\). Substitute the values for k and h back into our equation: \[L = \frac{72}{2^2}\] \[L = \frac{72}{4}\] Now, divide 72 by 4 to find the value of L: \[L = 18\]
4Step 4: State the final answer
When \(h = 2\), the value of \(L\) is 18.