Scale Factor

Front

What is a scale factor?

Back

A scale factor is a number that scales, or multiplies, a quantity. It is used to determine the size of a scale drawing compared to the original size.

Front

If the original size is 12 units and the scale factor is 1/4, what is the size of the scale drawing?

Back

3 units.

Front

How do you calculate the actual distance using a map scale?

Back

Multiply the distance on the map by the scale factor. For example, if the scale is 2 inches = 40 miles, and the distance on the map is 4.125 inches, the actual distance is 4.125 * (40/2) = 82.5 miles.

Front

What is the scale factor if a scale drawing measures 8 units wide and the original measures 4 units wide?

Back

The scale factor is 2:1.

Front

What is the scale factor from ABCD to MNOP if the scale factor from MNOP to ABCD is 3/2?

Back

The scale factor from ABCD to MNOP is 2/3.

Front

If a scale drawing is larger than the original, what can you say about the scale factor?

Back

The scale factor is greater than 1.

Front

If a scale drawing is smaller than the original, what can you say about the scale factor?

Back

The scale factor is less than 1.

Front

What does a scale factor of 1:1 mean?

Back

A scale factor of 1:1 means the scale drawing is the same size as the original.

Front

How do you express a scale factor of 3:2 as a fraction?

Back

As a fraction, a scale factor of 3:2 is expressed as 3/2.

Front

What is the relationship between the scale factor and the area of similar figures?

Back

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