Question

Classify each scale factor as a contraction or an expansion.


Contraction Expansion

A. 5
B. 0.9
C. -6
D. 8/5
E. 3/8

Answer 1

To classify each scale factor:

- A contraction occurs when the scale factor is between 0 and 1 (0 < k < 1).
- An expansion occurs when the scale factor is greater than 1 (k > 1).
- A scale factor that is less than 0 indicates a reflection and can also be considered an expansion in the context of scaling shapes.

Here is the classification for each scale factor:

- **A. 5** - Expansion
- **B. 0.9** - Contraction
- **C. -6** - Expansion (and reflection)
- **D. 8/5 (1.6)** - Expansion
- **E. 3/8 (0.375)** - Contraction

So, in summary:

**Contraction:** B, E
**Expansion:** A, C, D