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 calculate the scale factor between two similar shapes?

Back

To calculate the scale factor, divide the length of a side of one shape by the corresponding length of a side of the other shape.

Front

If a rectangle has a scale factor of 2, what does this mean?

Back

It means that each dimension of the rectangle is twice as long as the corresponding dimension of the original rectangle.

Front

What is the formula for finding the actual distance using a map scale?

Back

Actual distance = Map distance × Scale factor.

Front

If a map scale is 1 inch = 200 miles, how far apart are two locations that are 3 inches apart on the map?

Back

The actual distance is 3 inches × 200 miles/inch = 600 miles.

Front

What is the relationship between scale drawings and proportions?

Back

Scale drawings maintain the same proportions as the original object, meaning the ratios of corresponding lengths are equal.

Front

How do you set up a proportion to solve for an unknown in a scale drawing?

Back

Set up a proportion by equating the ratios of corresponding sides of the shapes involved.

Front

What is the significance of the scale in a map?

Back

The scale indicates the relationship between distances on the map and actual distances in the real world.

Front

If a triangle has a scale factor of 3, what happens to its area?

Back

The area of the triangle increases by a factor of 3^2, or 9, because area is a two-dimensional measurement.

Front

What is the scale factor if a rectangle's length is 10 cm and its scaled version's length is 25 cm?

Back

The scale factor is 25 cm / 10 cm = 2.5.