Wednesday, October 30, 2013

What are scales in math?

Scales as related to ratio? Or scales as related to maps?


If you are looking at a way to understand scales, they are a way to take something "really, really" big and represent in a way you can "see" it. For instance, if an inch on the map equals 100 miles, then you would measure the distance on the map and set up the ratio of 1 inch is to 100 miles and the distance you measure is to X miles. Then cross multiply and divide to get the "actual" miles. Artists use the golden ratio and proportions to get their art to scale with the real deal. If you have done model cars, they are on scale, so that if you blow up the actual model car 250 times, it will be the size of the real car it represents.


I have included some links below that might help you better understand scale. I am not sure of your level in school, so some may be too elementary for your needs. If you replace the word "scale" with "ratio" or "proportion" and do an Internet search for interactive activities it might help. You may also want to watch "Donald in Mathmagic Land," an old Disney movie that has a good visual explanation of scale.

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