[Math] What does “increases in proportion to” mean

calculusfunctionsterminology

I came across a multiple choice problem where a function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 – 1}{x+1} – x$ is given. One has to choose the statement that is correct about the function. The different statements about the function included:

  • (1) the function increases in proportion to $x^2$.
  • (2) the function increases in proportion to $x$
  • (3) the function is constant.

Obviously the function is constant, but my questions is what the "increases in proportion to" means. I haven't come across it before, and was wondering if it is standard for something. I would like so see an example of a function that can be said to satisfy this statement.

Best Answer

To say "$f$ increases in proportion to $g$" is just another way of saying "$f$ is proportional to $g$", i.e., $f$ is equal to $g$ times a nonzero constant.

(In other contexts this may only be meant approximately, but the "literal" usage is that it is equal to $g$ times a constant.)

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