Question

the square on the right is a scaled copy of the square on the left. identify the scale factor. express your answer as a whole number or fraction in simplest form.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall scale - factor formula

The scale factor $k$ from an original figure to a scaled - copy is given by $k=\frac{\text{measure of scaled - copy}}{\text{measure of original}}$.

Step2: Identify original and scaled - copy side lengths

The side length of the original square is $16$, and the side length of the scaled - copy square is $\frac{16}{3}$.

Step3: Calculate the scale factor

$k = \frac{\frac{16}{3}}{16}=\frac{16}{3}\times\frac{1}{16}=\frac{1}{3}$

Answer:

$\frac{1}{3}$