Math Problem Statement

The rectangle on the right is a scaled copy of the rectangle on the left. Identify the scale factor. Express your answer as a whole number or fraction in simplest form.

Solution

Problem Interpretation:

The problem asks us to identify the scale factor between two rectangles. The smaller rectangle has dimensions 8 (height) and 16 (width), while the larger rectangle has dimensions 24 (height) and 12 (width).

The scale factor is determined by comparing the corresponding sides of the two rectangles.


Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Find the Scale Factor for the Height:

    • The height of the smaller rectangle is 8.
    • The height of the larger rectangle is 24.
    • Scale factor for height = Larger HeightSmaller Height=248=3\frac{\text{Larger Height}}{\text{Smaller Height}} = \frac{24}{8} = 3.
  2. Find the Scale Factor for the Width:

    • The width of the smaller rectangle is 16.
    • The width of the larger rectangle is 12.
    • Scale factor for width = Larger WidthSmaller Width=1216=34\frac{\text{Larger Width}}{\text{Smaller Width}} = \frac{12}{16} = \frac{3}{4}.

  1. Conclusion:
    • For the two rectangles to be scaled copies of each other, the scale factor must be consistent for both the height and the width.
    • Since the scale factors (33 for the height and 34\frac{3}{4} for the width) do not match, the rectangles are not scaled copies.

Answer:

There is no consistent scale factor because the height and width are scaled differently. However, if you are specifically looking for the relationship between each pair of sides, you can note the individual scale factors:

  • Height Scale Factor: 33
  • Width Scale Factor: 34\frac{3}{4}

Would you like further clarification on how to handle inconsistent scaling or related problems?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you verify if two shapes are similar or scaled copies of each other?
  2. What is the formula for determining a scale factor in general?
  3. How does a scale factor apply to areas of scaled figures?
  4. Can you explain how inconsistent scaling impacts the geometry of figures?
  5. Why might someone use different scale factors for height and width in real-world problems?

Tip:

When working with scaling, always verify that all corresponding dimensions are scaled by the same factor to confirm similarity!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Scale Factor
Proportions
Similar Shapes

Formulas

Scale factor = Larger side / Smaller side
Simplify fractions to lowest terms

Theorems

Properties of Similar Figures

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8