Question

What is the scale factor of following figures?20 ft12 ft21 ft21 ft35 ft35 ftO 25:9O 4:305:3O 3:2

Answer 1

Since the figures are scaled by a single factor, the scale factor can be gotten by simply finding the ratio of the corresponding sides.

Using the vertical height of the shape, we have the ratio to be

`20\colon12`

Simplifying by dividing through by 4, we have the simplified ratio to be

`5\colon3`

We can confirm by checking the ratio of one side of the base of the shape as follows:

`35\colon21`

Simplifying by dividing through by 7, we have the simplified ratio to be

`5\colon3`

Therefore, the scale factor is 5:3.