Final answer:
The scale factor is a ratio that determines the proportional relationship between the scale dimension and the actual dimension. To find the scale factor, set up and solve a proportion. The given examples guide on calculating actual measurements from scale drawings using the scale factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about how to find the scale factor of a dilation or to solve problems related to scale drawings. In mathematics, specifically in geometry, a scale factor is used to determine the proportionate size of one figure as compared to another. To find the actual dimension using a scale factor, you would set up a proportion where the scale factor equals the ratio of the scale dimension to the actual dimension.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
- Write the ratio of the scale dimension (given measurement) to the actual dimension (unknown measurement).
- Set this ratio equal to the scale factor.
- Solve the proportion to find the missing actual dimension.
For example, if a scale drawing shows a length of 3 inches, and the scale factor is 1/4, then the actual length is 12 inches (because 3 inches is 1/4 of 12 inches).