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 actual size of an object from a scale drawing?

Back

To calculate the actual size, multiply the measurement in the scale drawing by the scale factor.

Front

If a scale drawing uses a scale of 1 inch : 2 feet, how do you convert inches to feet?

Back

Multiply the number of inches by 2 to convert to feet.

Front

What is the scale factor if a drawing of a tree is 3 inches tall and the actual tree is 12 feet tall?

Back

The scale factor is 1 inch : 4 feet.

Front

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

Back

Set up a proportion by equating the ratio of the drawing's dimensions to the ratio of the actual dimensions.

Front

What is the actual height of a tree that is 15 ft tall in a scale drawing where 1 inch represents 5 ft?

Back

The height in the drawing would be 3 inches.

Front

If a flagpole measures 12 inches in a scale drawing with a scale of 1 inch = 4 feet, how tall is the actual flagpole?

Back

The actual height of the flagpole is 48 feet.

Front

What is the purpose of using scale drawings?

Back

Scale drawings are used to represent objects that are too large or too small to be drawn at actual size.

Front

How do you find the scale factor when given the actual size and the size in a drawing?

Back

Divide the actual size by the size in the drawing.

Front

If a game room is drawn with a scale of 1 inch : 2 feet, how long is an air hockey table that is 5 inches in the drawing?

Back

The actual length of the air hockey table is 10 feet.