Scale Factors

Front

What is a scale factor?

Back

A scale factor is a number that scales, or multiplies, a quantity. It is used to determine how much a figure is enlarged or reduced.

Front

If the scale factor is less than one, what happens to the figure?

Back

The figure undergoes a reduction.

Front

If the scale factor is greater than one, what happens to the figure?

Back

The figure undergoes an enlargement.

Front

What is the scale factor if a small fry is scaled to a large fry and the large fry is three times the size of the small fry?

Back

The scale factor is 3.

Front

How do you solve for the scale factor in a proportion?

Back

To solve for the scale factor in a proportion, set up a ratio of corresponding sides and solve for the unknown variable.

Front

What is the relationship between the scale factor and the dimensions of a figure?

Back

The dimensions of a figure are multiplied by the scale factor to obtain the dimensions of the new figure.

Front

What is the scale factor if a side of a figure measures 5 units and the corresponding side of the scaled figure measures 25 units?

Back

The scale factor is 5.

Front

How do you find a missing side when given a scale factor?

Back

To find a missing side, multiply the known side by the scale factor if enlarging, or divide by the scale factor if reducing.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the area of a figure when a scale factor is applied?

Back

The area of the new figure is equal to the area of the original figure multiplied by the square of the scale factor.

Front

What happens to the perimeter of a figure when a scale factor is applied?

Back

The perimeter of the new figure is equal to the perimeter of the original figure multiplied by the scale factor.