Scale factor
What Scale factor means in Mathematics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Scale factor
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Reference: AQA
The constant ratio between corresponding lengths in similar figures, being the ratio of a length in the image to the corresponding length in the original figure.
Between two similar shapes this is a length on the new shape divided by the matching length on the old one.
Compares a length on a scale diagram or map with the matching real length.
The common multiplier linking every ratio entry to the corresponding actual quantity.
Topics that use Scale factor
- Mensuration and calculation (AQA GCSE)
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change (AQA GCSE)
- Number - Fractions, decimals and percentages (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- simplest form
- compound interest
- Compound Measure
- compound unit
- constant of proportionality
- Density
- direct proportion
- equality of ratios
Using Scale factor in the exam
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