What is a Scale?

What is a Scale?

Note:

In math, the term scale is used to represent the relationship between a measurement on a model and the corresponding measurement on the actual object. Without scales, maps and blueprints would be pretty useless. Check out this tutorial and learn about scale factor!

Keywords:

  • Definition
  • Scale
  • Ratio
  • map
  • blueprint

Background Tutorials

  • Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two quantities.

      • What's a Ratio?What's a Ratio?

      What's a Ratio?

      Ratios are everywhere! The scale on a map or blueprint is a ratio. Ingredients sometimes need to be mixed using ratios such as the ratio of water to cement mix when making cement. Watch this tutorial to learn about ratios. Then think of some ratios you've encountered before!

  • Fluently divide multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.

      • How Do You Do Long Division?How Do You Do Long Division?

      How Do You Do Long Division?

      We know that calculators are everywhere, but that doesn't mean that long division isn't important! Sometimes you won't be allowed to use a calculator, and when those times occur, you'll be thankful that you watched this video!

  • Solve problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and reproducing a scale drawing at a different scale.

      • What is a Scale Drawing?What is a Scale Drawing?

      What is a Scale Drawing?

      Without a blueprint, it would be really hard to construct a building. Without a road map, you'd be lost! Scale drawings make it easy to see large things, like buildings and roads, on paper. Even a GPS uses scale drawings! Check out this tutorial to learn all about scale drawings.

Further Exploration

  • Solve problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and reproducing a scale drawing at a different scale.