Proportion
Recognise and solve problems involving direct proportion (as one quantity increases, the other increases at a constant rate) and inverse proportion (as one increases, the other decreases), including graphical and algebraic representations
Suggested ages 12–14
Evidence of understanding
- Identify whether a real-world relationship is direct or inverse proportion and justify the choice
- Set up and solve a direct-proportion equation (e.g. if 4 pens cost £6, find the cost of 10)
- Sketch graphs showing direct proportion (straight line through origin) and inverse proportion (curve)
Assessment prompt
Does Proportion understand the difference between quantities that grow together at the same rate (direct proportion) and ones where one goes up as the other goes down — like more workers meaning fewer days to finish a job (inverse proportion)?
Standards alignment
Recognize and represent proportional relationships
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · 7
Explain what a point (x, y) on the graph of a proportional relationship means
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · 7
Direct and Inverse Proportion
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3