Scale Factors

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 ratio of the dimensions of a scale drawing to the actual object.

Front

If a scale factor is greater than 1, what does it indicate?

Back

It indicates enlargement, meaning the scale drawing is larger than the actual object.

Front

If a scale factor is less than 1, what does it indicate?

Back

It indicates reduction, meaning the scale drawing is smaller than the actual object.

Front

What is the scale factor if a drawing of a car is 3 cm and the actual car length is 12 feet?

Back

The scale factor is 1 cm : 4 ft.

Front

How do you calculate the actual length from a scale drawing?

Back

Multiply the length of the scale drawing by the scale factor.

Front

What is the scale factor from ΔABC to ΔDEF if the sides of ΔDEF are twice as long as those of ΔABC?

Back

The scale factor is 2.

Front

If the scale factor is 4, what is the actual length if the drawing length is 5 units?

Back

The actual length is 20 units.

Front

What is the scale factor if the actual length is 15 feet and the drawing length is 5 cm?

Back

The scale factor is 1 cm : 3 ft.

Front

What does a scale factor of 1 mean?

Back

It means the drawing is the same size as the actual object.

Front

How do you find the scale factor between two similar figures?

Back

Divide the length of a side of one figure by the corresponding side of the other figure.