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Using scale factors | Year 6 Mathematics PDF Download

What is a scale factor?

  • A scale factor in geometry refers to enlarging or reducing a shape where each side is multiplied by the same number. This consistent multiplier is known as the scale factor.
  • Maps often employ scale factors to accurately represent distances between places. Without the scale factor, a map would simply be a drawing without accurate spatial measurements.

Examples

Example 1: You can also use scale factors to find out the original measurement of a shape. Just use the inverse of multiplication, which is division.
Work out the original length of a side that had been enlarged by a scale factor of 7.
Using scale factors | Year 6 Mathematics

You already know what the result of the enlargement is (49 cm) and that the scale factor is 7.
Remember, when enlarging a shape, you multiply the original length by the scale factor:
original length x 7 = 49 cm
You can work backwards and use the inverse operation which is division:
49 ÷ 7 = 7 cm
The original size of the length before enlargement is 7 cm.

Example 2: What is the scale factor of enlargement from shape A to B?
Using scale factors | Year 6 MathematicsLook at the relationship between the two measurements.
Use your times tables knowledge - what do you multiply 3 by to get 33?
3 cm x ___ = 33 cm
You multiply by 11!
The scale factor is 11.
You can also use scale factors to find out the original measurement of a shape. Just use the inverse of multiplication, which is division.

The document Using scale factors | Year 6 Mathematics is a part of the Year 6 Course Year 6 Mathematics.
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FAQs on Using scale factors - Year 6 Mathematics

1. What are scale factors in relation to quadrilaterals?
Ans. Scale factors in relation to quadrilaterals refer to the ratio of the lengths of corresponding sides of two similar quadrilaterals.
2. How are scale factors used in understanding quadrilaterals?
Ans. Scale factors are used to determine the relationship between the sides of similar quadrilaterals, helping to understand how the size of one quadrilateral compares to another.
3. Can scale factors be used to find the area of similar quadrilaterals?
Ans. Yes, scale factors can be used to find the area of similar quadrilaterals by squaring the scale factor to determine the ratio of their areas.
4. How do scale factors affect the angles of similar quadrilaterals?
Ans. Scale factors do not affect the angles of similar quadrilaterals, as the angles remain the same even if the sides are scaled up or down proportionally.
5. Are scale factors always whole numbers when comparing similar quadrilaterals?
Ans. Scale factors can be whole numbers or fractions when comparing similar quadrilaterals, depending on the ratio of their corresponding sides.
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