GCSE Maths Practice: congruence-and-similarity

Question 1 of 10

This question asks students to calculate the scale factor when a shape is enlarged. Understanding scale factor is essential in similarity problems.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{A shape has an original side of 5 cm and is enlarged to 6 cm.} \\ \text{Find the scale factor.}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Divide the new side by the original. Remember: scale factor >1 = enlargement, <1 = reduction.

Scale factor describes how much a shape increases or decreases in size. It is calculated by dividing a side length of the new shape by the corresponding side of the original. Here, the original side is 5 cm and the enlarged side is 6 cm. So, 6 ÷ 5 = 1.2. All sides are scaled by the same factor, and angles remain unchanged. This knowledge is vital when working with geometric diagrams, models, maps, or real-life problems where proportionality is key. It also distinguishes enlargement from congruence; congruent shapes maintain identical size and angles, while enlarged shapes maintain proportions and angles but not absolute sizes.