Perform dilations informally

A dilation changes a figure’s size while preserving its shape: every corresponding length is multiplied by the same scale factor, so ratios of corresponding lengths remain equal and corresponding angles stay the same. Learners interpret scale drawings and enlarged or reduced figures using simple whole-number, unit-fraction, or decimal scale factors, without requiring formal coordinate rules, centers of dilation, or proofs of similarity.

Detailed Explanation: Perform dilations informally

A dilation makes a figure larger or smaller without changing its shape. To dilate a figure, multiply every side length by the same scale factor.

If the scale factor is greater than $1$ , the figure gets larger.
If the scale factor is between $0$ and $1$ , the figure gets smaller.
Corresponding angles stay the same.

Example: A rectangle is $3$ inches long and $2$ inches wide. It is enlarged using a scale factor of $2$ . What are the new dimensions?

Multiply the length by the scale factor:

3 \times 2 = 6

The new length is $6$ inches.

Multiply the width by the same scale factor:

2 \times 2 = 4

The new width is $4$ inches.

The dilated rectangle is $6$ inches by $4$ inches. Both dimensions doubled, so the rectangle keeps the same shape. Its angles also stay the same.

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Perform dilations informally

Detailed Explanation: Perform dilations informally

Learn by doing: Perform dilations informally

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Metric Unit Scale on Map - Find Actual - Less than 1000 - Change Single Unit