Scale Factor and Scale Drawings

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 scale drawing is compared to the actual object.

Front

How do you calculate the actual distance using a map scale?

Back

To calculate the actual distance, multiply the distance on the map by the scale factor. For example, if the map scale is 1 inch:100 miles and the distance on the map is 1 3/4 inches, the actual distance is 1.75 * 100 = 175 miles.

Front

What is the perimeter of a triangle with sides measuring 10, 12, and 14 inches?

Back

The perimeter is the sum of all sides: 10 + 12 + 14 = 36 inches.

Front

If the perimeter of a rectangle is 20 inches and it is scaled to 80 inches, what is the scale factor?

Back

The scale factor is 4, because 80 inches / 20 inches = 4.

Front

What does a scale drawing represent?

Back

A scale drawing represents an object or area at a specific ratio to its actual size, allowing for a smaller or larger representation.

Front

If a triangle is scaled down by a factor of 1/2, what happens to its area?

Back

The area is scaled down by the square of the scale factor. If the scale factor is 1/2, the area is reduced to (1/2)² = 1/4 of the original area.

Front

What is the scale of a drawing if 1 inch represents 5 feet?

Back

The scale is 1 inch:5 feet.

Front

How wide is a tent in a drawing if the actual width is 6 feet and the scale is 1 inch:3 feet?

Back

The width in the drawing is 2 inches, because 6 feet / 3 feet per inch = 2 inches.

Front

What is the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle?

Back

The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2(length + width).

Front

If a shape is enlarged by a scale factor of 3, how does this affect its dimensions?

Back

All dimensions of the shape are multiplied by 3, making it three times larger in each direction.