Scale Factor

Front

What is a scale factor?

Back

A scale factor is a number that scales, or multiplies, some quantity. It is used to determine the proportional relationship between two similar figures.

Front

How do you determine the scale factor between two similar triangles?

Back

To determine the scale factor between two similar triangles, divide the length of a side of one triangle by the corresponding side of the other triangle.

Front

What happens to the size of a figure when the scale factor is greater than 1?

Back

When the scale factor is greater than 1, the figure undergoes an enlargement.

Front

What happens to the size of a figure when the scale factor is less than 1?

Back

When the scale factor is less than 1, the figure undergoes a reduction.

Front

If the scale factor from ΔDEF to ΔABC is 2, what does this imply about the sides of the triangles?

Back

It implies that each side of ΔABC is twice the length of the corresponding side of ΔDEF.

Front

What is the relationship between scale factors and area?

Back

The area of similar figures is proportional to the square of the scale factor.

Front

If the scale factor is 1/2, how does this affect the area of the figure?

Back

The area of the new figure will be 1/4 of the area of the original figure.

Front

What is a scale drawing?

Back

A scale drawing is a representation of an object or figure that is proportionally reduced or enlarged according to a specific scale.

Front

How do you solve for a missing measurement in a scale drawing?

Back

Set up a proportion using the known measurements and the scale factor, then solve for the missing measurement.

Front

What is the formula for finding the scale factor between two rectangles?

Back

The scale factor can be found by dividing the length of one rectangle by the length of the corresponding side of the other rectangle.