text: # Scale Factor(KS3, Year 7)
  
  ## The Lesson
  
  A scale factor is used to describe an enlargement. A scale factor describes how much larger (or smaller) the enlarged shape is compared to the original shape.
  
  ## Dictionary Definition
  
  The Oxford English Dictionary defines a scale factor as "a numerical factor by which each of a set of quantities is multiplied."
  
  ## Understanding a Scale Factor
  
  When a shape is enlarged, the length of each side becomes larger (or smaller). Each side becomes larger (or smaller) by same amount. The length of each side is multiplied by a scale factor.
  
  ## A Real Example of a Scale Factor
  
  A scale factor is easier to understand with an example. The image below shows a light blue shape being enlarged to a dark blue shape.
  
  The scale factor is 2. Each side of the dark blue shape is 2 × longer than the corresponding side of the light blue shape.
  
  ## Types of Scale Factors
  
  Scale factors have different effects depending on how large the number is.
  Scale Factor Description
  Greater than 1 The shape gets larger
  Equal to 1 The shape stays the same size
  Greater than 0, less than 1 The shape gets smaller
  Negative The shape is on the other side of the center of enlargement, and is the other way around
  
  ## What Is an Enlargement?
  
  An enlargement resizes a shape. An enlargement makes a shape larger or smaller. An enlargement is a type of transformation.
  
  ## Scaling Lengths, Areas and Volumes
  
  If a scale factor is k:
  • Each length on the image will be k times the length of the object.
  
  • The area of the image will be k2 times the area of the object.
  
  • The volume of the image will be k3 times the volume of the object.
  
  Help Us To Improve Mathematics Monster
  
  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  Please tell us using this form