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Transformations and vectors
Lesson 13 of 14

Negative and fractional enlargements

Objective. Enlarge a shape by a fractional or negative scale factor.

The key idea

A fractional scale factor shrinks the shape; a negative scale factor also puts it on the opposite side of the centre, upside down.

Worked example

Enlarge point (4, 2) by scale factor −1/2 about the origin.

1/2
Fraction bar showing 1 out of 2 parts shaded
  1. 1Multiply each coordinate by −1/2.
  2. 24 × −0.5 = −2 and 2 × −0.5 = −1.

Answer: (−2, −1)

Practice

Each question comes with a picture and a listen button. Try it first, then reveal the answer.

Common mistake. Shrinking the shape but forgetting to flip it for a negative factor.

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