Scale Factor

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.

When the scale factor is greater than 1, it creates an enlargement of the figure.

When the scale factor is less than 1, it creates a reduction of the figure.

Corresponding sides are sides that are in the same position in different shapes.

If the scale factor is 4, each dimension of the shape is multiplied by 4, making the shape four times larger.

The new size will be one-fourth of the original size.

The scale factor is 4, because 8 cm is 4 times larger than 2 cm.

To find the scale factor, divide the length of a side of the larger shape by the length of the corresponding side of the smaller shape.

The area of a shape changes by the square of the scale factor. For example, if the scale factor is 2, the area increases by a factor of 2² = 4.

The scale factor is 0.5.