Dilations, Scale Factor, and Similar Figures

Front

What is a dilation in geometry?

Back

A dilation is a transformation that produces a figure similar to the original by enlarging or reducing it based on a scale factor.

Front

What is the scale factor in a dilation?

Back

The scale factor is the ratio of a length of the new figure to the corresponding length on the original figure.

Front

True or False: A dilation produces a congruent figure.

Back

False. A dilation produces a similar figure, not a congruent figure.

Front

If the scale factor is greater than 1, what type of transformation occurs?

Back

An enlargement occurs.

Front

If the scale factor is less than 1, what type of transformation occurs?

Back

A reduction occurs.

Front

What is the relationship between corresponding angles in similar figures?

Back

Corresponding angles in similar figures are equal.

Front

What is the relationship between corresponding sides in similar figures?

Back

The ratios of the lengths of corresponding sides in similar figures are equal.

Front

Solve for x: If a triangle has sides of 4 cm, 6 cm, and x cm, and is similar to another triangle with sides of 8 cm, 12 cm, and 2x cm, what is x?

Back

x = 2 cm.

Front

What is the effect of a scale factor of 2 on the area of a figure?

Back

The area of the figure is multiplied by 2² = 4.

Front

What is the effect of a scale factor of 1/2 on the perimeter of a figure?

Back

The perimeter of the figure is multiplied by 1/2.