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scale factor| Number (factor) by which the dimensions of an original object are multiplied in order to achieve a new image. |
| For example, in enlargement, if a 20 cm-high model is enlarged into a sculpture using a scale factor of 10, the finished sculpture will be 20 × 10 = 200 cm, or 2 m in height: |
| If the scale factor is less than 1, the new image will be reduced in size. For example, if a photograph has to be reduced to fit a frame, the scale factor to be used for the reduction can be calculated: |
| scale factor = length of image/length of original |
| Therefore, the scale factor for the reduction is 40/60, or 2/3. |
| A negative scale factor means that the original object and its image are on the opposite sides of the centre of enlargement. For example, the shape ABC can be enlarged by a scale factor of −2 using the origin as the centre of enlargement. The image is labelled A'B'C': |
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