GCSE Maths: Direct and Inverse Proportion
Set up and solve equations for direct and inverse proportion. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on direct and inverse proportion, and what each one is really asking.
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Confusing direct and inverse proportion
- Forgetting to find k before substituting the new value
- Using y = kx when it should be y = kx² (proportional to x squared)
- Setting up the equation incorrectly
Direct and Inverse Proportion questions students ask
Is Direct and Inverse Proportion on the Foundation paper?
Yes. Direct and Inverse Proportion appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.
What should I know before starting Direct and Inverse Proportion?
It builds on Rearranging equations and Substitution and Squares and square roots. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Direct and Inverse Proportion questions assume them.
What is the most common mistake in Direct and Inverse Proportion?
Confusing direct and inverse proportion.
Which exam boards cover Direct and Inverse Proportion?
All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.