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.

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

To find the scale factor between the two rectangles, we compare the corresponding dimensions of the two rectangles.

For the width:

  • The width of the rectangle on the left is 33 units.
  • The width of the rectangle on the right is 11 units.

To find the scale factor for the width, divide the smaller width by the larger width: Scale factor for width=1133=13.\text{Scale factor for width} = \frac{11}{33} = \frac{1}{3}.

For the height:

  • The height of the rectangle on the left is 15 units.
  • The height of the rectangle on the right is 5 units.

To find the scale factor for the height, divide the smaller height by the larger height: Scale factor for height=515=13.\text{Scale factor for height} = \frac{5}{15} = \frac{1}{3}.

Since both the width and height scale factors are 13\frac{1}{3}, the scale factor of the rectangle on the right to the rectangle on the left is:

13.\boxed{\frac{1}{3}}.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How does a scale factor affect the area of a shape?
  2. What is the relationship between the scale factor and perimeter of scaled figures?
  3. If the scale factor was 23\frac{2}{3}, how would the dimensions of the rectangles compare?
  4. Can a scale factor ever be negative, and what would that represent geometrically?
  5. How do we apply scale factors in real-world problems like maps or model building?

Tip: Always check both the width and height (or other dimensions) to confirm a consistent scale factor for all sides when comparing scaled figures.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Scale Factor
Ratios and Proportions

Formulas

Scale factor = (dimension of smaller shape) / (dimension of larger shape)

Theorems

Similarity Theorem
Proportionality in Geometry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8