Thursday, March 14, 2013

Scale Factor in Algebra

A scale factor is a number which scales, or multiplies, some quantity. In the equation y=Cx, C is the scale factor for x. C is also the coefficient of x, and may be called the constant of proportionality of y to x. For example, doubling distances corresponds to a scale factor of 2 for distance, while cutting a cake in half results in pieces with a scale factor of ½


Explanation of Scale factor in algebra:


the following table will explain the scale factor in algebra some example given below

                            LENGTH           AREA              VOLUME

Scale Factor X      X times            X2 times              X3 times

Scale Factor 2      2 times             4 times                8 times

Scale Factor 3      3 times             9 times                27 times

Scale Factor 4      4 times             16 times              64 times

Scale Factor 5      5 times             25 times              125 times

For example in a square having 6cm all its sides. If the same squares length is reduced to 3cm then the scale factor of the square is 1/2.


Finding Scale factor in algebra:


Some examples for scale factor in algebra.

Ex : Consider the equation C= YZ, Y was the scale factor or Z, Y is also a coefficient of Z and may be called as constant of proportionality of a to Z. By using scale factor, you are creation a smaller model of something that is quite big.

In these algebra examples we discuss the scale factor

For the given problem Y = (4) (3).

4 was the scale factor of 3

4 is also a coefficient of 3

Ex :

                         squaresquare

                    square1                                            square2

In the example  square1 value of each side is 4 cm. the square2 value of each side is 8 cm. so we find the scale factor of this problem?

Sol : This example we find the scale factor of two square figures.

The second square value by first square value

Scale factor =8/4

                   =2

Ex :  The two triangle are in the same ratio. The first triangle area is 9 sq. units and  the second triangle area is 18 sq. units. Find the scale factor of the two triangle.

Sol : For the first triangle the  area is 9 sq. units.

 For the second triangle the area is 18 sq. units.

The scale factor = second triangle area /first triangle area

        = 18/9

         =2

answer for this problem = 2

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