Proportionality Constant

Proportionality constant, abbreviated as k, is a value that relates two quantities that are directly proportional to each other.

When two quantities, y and x, are directly proportional, their relationship can be expressed as a linear function with a slope equal to the proportionality constant k.  This means that when x increases by a certain amount, y will also increase by the same proportion, determined by the value of k.  It is commonly used in physics and engineering to describe various physical laws, such as Ohm's law, Hooke's law, and the ideal gas law.

 

Proportionality constant formula
\( y = k \; x \)     (Proportionality Constant) \( k =  y \;/\; x \) \( x =  y \;/\; k \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( y \) = the dependent variable	\(depend\; on \;the \;units \;of \;the \;quantities\)
\( k \) = the proportionality constant	\(depend\; on \;the \;units \;of \;the \;quantities\)
\( x \) = the independent variable	\(depend\; on \;the \;units \;of \;the \;quantities\)