Question

triangle d is a scaled copy of triangle c.
triangle c (purple) has a base of 5 and a hypotenuse of 11.2. triangle d (green) has a base of 1.5 and a hypotenuse of 3.36.
what scale factor takes triangle c to triangle d?
submit button

Explanation:

Step1: Recall scale factor formula

The scale factor from a figure to its scaled copy is the ratio of a corresponding side length of the copy to the original figure. So, scale factor \(=\frac{\text{Length of side in } D}{\text{Length of corresponding side in } C}\).

Step2: Choose corresponding sides

We can use the base sides (5 in Triangle C and 1.5 in Triangle D) or the hypotenuses (11.2 in Triangle C and 3.36 in Triangle D). Let's use the base sides.

Step3: Calculate the scale factor

Using the base sides: scale factor \(=\frac{1.5}{5}\) or using hypotenuses: \(\frac{3.36}{11.2}\). Let's compute \(\frac{1.5}{5}=0.3\) (or \(\frac{3.36}{11.2} = 0.3\) as well).

Answer:

\(0.3\) (or \(\frac{3}{10}\))