When a square of area 4 is dilated by a scale factor of k, we obtain a square of area 9. Find the sum of all possible values of k.

Question

I do not understand...it is not 3/2, as I was told, but I don't understand why? Help?

Answer 1

A square with an area of 4 has to have all sides equal to 2. Right?

If I increase by a factor of k that means multiply 2 times k

My area is 2k times 2k = 4k^2

I would set this equal to 9

I am getting 3/2 for the value of k

-3/2 is another possibility, but we have to discount it because we don't measure distance as negative numbers.

I agree with your 3/2, but I wonder if someone else summed -3/2 and 3/2 = 0

Answer 2

thanks a lot i appreciate your time

Answer 3

0 is the answer

Answer 4

stop cheating on aops problems

Answer 5

Please do not cheat in my class. If you need help just ask me or consult the message board.