If w varies inversely as \(\frac{uv}{u + v}\) and is equal to 8 when

u = 2 and v = 6, find a relationship between u, v, w.

  • A uvw = 16(u + v)
  • B 16ur = 3w(u + v)
  • C uvw = 12(u + v)
  • D 12uvw = u + v

The correct answer is C. uvw = 12(u + v)

The relationship between \(u\), \(v\), and \(w\) can be found by first understanding that \(w\) varies inversely with \(\frac{uv}{u + v}\), which can be represented as \(w \propto \frac{1}{uv} \cdot \frac{1}{u + v}\).

Using the constant of variation \(k\), we can write \(w = \frac{k}{uv(u + v)}\). Substituting \(u = 2\) and \(v = 6\) when \(w = 8\), we can solve for \(k\):

\[8 = \frac{k}{2 \cdot 6(2 + 6)}\]

Solving for \(k\), we get \(k = 12\).

So, the relationship is \(12(u + v) = uvw\).

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