Final answer:
To create a scaled copy smaller than the original, use a scale factor that is less than 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to create a scaled copy smaller than the original, you would need to use a scale factor that is less than 1. The scale factor represents the ratio between the dimensions of the scaled copy and the original object. For example, if you have a scale factor of 1/2, it means that the dimensions of the scaled copy are half the size of the original.
Let's say you have an original shape with a length of 10 inches. If you want to create a scaled copy smaller than the original, you can use a scale factor of 1/2. Multiplying the original length by the scale factor gives you the length of the scaled copy: 10 inches x 1/2 = 5 inches.
So, the scale factor to create a scaled copy smaller than the original would be any value less than 1, such as 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4.