Question

What mathematical process do you use to find the new size using the scale factors? (select all that apply)

1. multiplication
2. addition
3. proportions
4. subtraction
5. division

Answer 1

Answer: 1. multiplication

Explanation:

Suppose that you want to change an object with length L with a scale factor a, then the lenght of the rescaled object will be:

L' = a*L

Then the correct option is 1) multiplication.

Notice that sometimes you may find that the scale factor is a number like 1/5 and when you find the new lenght you will end with something like:

L' = L/5 that seems like a division, but this is actually the multiplication between L and 1/5.