Lesson plan

Find the scale factor of geometric figures by using proportional reasoning

  • From K-5 Math Companion Curriculum
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teaches Common Core State Standards 7.G.A.1 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/7/G/A/1
teaches Common Core State Standards MP4 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP4
teaches Common Core State Standards MP6 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP6
teaches Common Core State Standards MP8 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP8
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Big Ideas: We can find the scale factor between two similar geometric figures by using proportional reasoning. This lesson builds on students’ previous work using proportional reasoning to find new dimensions. The task requires students to determine the largest rectangular area for a bed to be placed into a space on a diagram. From the dimensions on the diagram, students compute the actual dimensions of the bed. Students will directly or indirectly find the scale factor between the diagram and the actual bed. The mathematical concepts in the lesson build toward student understanding of dilations of geometric figures on the coordinate plane. Vocabulary: scale, scale factor, dimensions, length, area Special Materials: handout pencil colored pencils (optional) scissors (optional)