A reduction scale factor is a number between 0 and 1 that, when multiplied by the dimensions of an object, results in a proportionally smaller object. It essentially "shrinks" the original.
Understanding Scale Factors
A scale factor is used to change the size of a figure. It describes how much larger or smaller the new figure (the image) will be compared to the original figure (the pre-image).
- Scale Factor > 1: Enlargement (the image is bigger)
- Scale Factor = 1: No change in size (the image is the same size)
- 0 < Scale Factor < 1: Reduction (the image is smaller)
Reduction Defined
A reduction occurs when the scale factor is a fraction or decimal between 0 and 1. Multiplying the original dimensions by this scale factor reduces the overall size.
Examples of Reduction Scale Factors
Here are a few examples:
- Scale Factor = 0.5 (or 1/2): The new object will be half the size of the original.
- Scale Factor = 0.25 (or 1/4): The new object will be one-quarter the size of the original.
- Scale Factor = 0.75 (or 3/4): The new object will be three-quarters the size of the original.
Practical Applications
Reduction scale factors are used in various fields, including:
- Mapmaking: Creating smaller representations of geographical areas.
- Architecture: Designing blueprints of buildings.
- Model building: Constructing scaled-down versions of real-world objects (cars, airplanes, etc.).
- Graphic design: Resizing images and graphics.
In summary, a reduction scale factor is a number between 0 and 1 used to create a proportionally smaller version of an object.
