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 proportional relationship between two similar figures or objects.

Front

If the scale factor is 4, what does that mean?

Back

It means that the dimensions of the object are 4 times larger than the original dimensions.

Front

How do you calculate the actual distance using a scale?

Back

Multiply the distance on the map by the scale factor to find the actual distance.

Front

What is the scale factor if a triangle's side length is doubled?

Back

The scale factor is 2.

Front

If a map scale is 1 inch = 300 miles, how do you find the actual distance for 3 inches?

Back

Multiply 3 inches by 300 miles/inch to get 900 miles.

Front

What is the formula to find the actual distance using a scale?

Back

Actual Distance = Distance on Map × Scale Factor.

Front

If two triangles are similar and the scale factor is 1/2, what does that indicate?

Back

It indicates that the dimensions of the second triangle are half the size of the first triangle.

Front

What is the actual distance if two cities are 24 cm apart on a map with a scale of 1 cm = 8 miles?

Back

The actual distance is 192 miles (24 cm × 8 miles/cm).

Front

How do you express a scale factor of 0.25 as a fraction?

Back

0.25 can be expressed as 1/4.

Front

If the scale factor is 10, what happens to the size of an object?

Back

The object becomes 10 times larger than its original size.