Kim G.

asked • 02/15/18

scale factor

Im confused on scale factor. If I have a scale factor of 3 between 2 triangles A being the larger and B being the smaller. Then if they ask for scale from A to B it is 1/3. But, if I were to use the colon notation wouldn't that be 3:1 comparing the a side length of A to B? Or, am I not understanding the colon notation?
 

Edward A.

So, as Andrew M. said, you DO understand the colon notation. The confusion comes from your phrase “...if they ask for scale from A to B it is 1/3.”
if ”They” actually said those exact words, they used them wrong.
 
”scale from A to B” means ratio of A to B, in this case 3:1
Perhaps “They” intended to say “how do I get from A to B”. That’s an informal question, and the answer would be “multiply by 1/3”.
 
So YOU had it right , ”They” had it wrong.
Report

02/15/18

Kim G.

Thank you so much. I will adjust the assessment to read accurately. I took the assessment from a site that states it is field testing CCSS assessments. However, as I explained I was unclear if I was thinking it out correctly.  Thank you again.
Report

02/16/18

1 Expert Answer

By:

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.