Understanding Scale Factors in Geometry

Front

What is a scale factor?

Back

A scale factor is a number that scales, or multiplies, some quantity. It is used to determine how much larger or smaller a figure is compared to another figure.

Front

If the scale factor is greater than 1, the copy is _____________.

Back

enlarged.

Front

What happens to a shape when the scale factor is less than 1?

Back

The shape is reduced.

Front

What is the scale factor if a shape is doubled in size?

Back

2.

Front

If the scale factor is 1/2, what is the relationship between the original and the copy?

Back

The copy is half the size of the original.

Front

What does a scale factor of 3 indicate?

Back

The copy is three times larger than the original.

Front

If a shape is enlarged by a scale factor of 4, what is the new area compared to the original?

Back

The new area is 16 times larger than the original area.

Front

What is the scale factor if a shape remains the same size?

Back

1.

Front

If a shape is reduced by a scale factor of 1/3, what is the new size compared to the original?

Back

The new size is one-third of the original size.

Front

What is the effect of a scale factor of 5 on a shape?

Back

The shape is enlarged by a factor of 5.