Question

The two triangular prisms shown are similar. The dimensions of the larger prism were multiplied by a scale factor of to create the smaller prism.


When the large prism was reduced, the surface area changed by a factor of

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Answer 1

If the linear scale factor is k, corresponding surface areas change by a factor of k^2.

(So, for example, if the prism was reduced by 1/3, the surface area changes by (1/3)^2 = 1/9.)