Math Problem Statement

Scale factor

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

Solution

To determine the scale factor between the two triangles in the image:

We are given two triangles:

  1. The left triangle has side lengths of 7 and 7.
  2. The right triangle has side lengths of 73\frac{7}{3} and 73\frac{7}{3}.

Finding the scale factor:

The scale factor is the ratio of the corresponding sides of the two triangles. Let's compare the corresponding sides:

Scale factor=Side length of the right triangleSide length of the left triangle\text{Scale factor} = \frac{\text{Side length of the right triangle}}{\text{Side length of the left triangle}}

For the sides with lengths 7 on the left triangle and 73\frac{7}{3} on the right triangle:

Scale factor=737=73×17=13\text{Scale factor} = \frac{\frac{7}{3}}{7} = \frac{7}{3} \times \frac{1}{7} = \frac{1}{3}

Thus, the scale factor is 13\frac{1}{3}, meaning the right triangle is scaled down by a factor of 1/3 compared to the left triangle.

Would you like any further details or have any other questions?

Related questions:

  1. What is the definition of a scale factor in geometry?
  2. How do you find the scale factor between two shapes that are not triangles?
  3. Can the scale factor ever be negative? If so, what would it mean?
  4. How does the scale factor affect the area of a shape?
  5. How would you solve if one of the sides was unknown?

Tip: When comparing similar triangles, always check if their angles are congruent before determining the scale factor based on side lengths.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ratios
Proportions
Geometry

Formulas

Scale factor = (Side length of right triangle) / (Side length of left triangle)

Theorems

Similarity of triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9