This introduction covers Zooming In and Out within Transformations: Enlargements for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Transformations: Enlargements in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 15 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 1 of 7 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Zooming In and Out
Enlargement is the ONLY transformation that changes size. Like zooming on a photo - everything scales from a centre point. Scale factor 2 means twice as big. Scale factor 0.5 means half size. Negative scale factors flip the shape to the opposite side!
Practice questions for Transformations: Enlargements
Which of the following statements correctly describes an enlargement?
Triangle P has vertices at (2, 1), (6, 1) and (2, 5). Triangle Q has vertices at (4, 2), (12, 2) and (4, 10). Describe fully the single transformation that maps triangle P onto triangle Q.
Quick recall flashcards
Scale Factor > 1
Shape gets BIGGER. SF = 2 means all lengths doubled. Only transformation that changes size!
Scale Factor < 1
Shape gets SMALLER. SF = 0.5 means all lengths halved. Still called "enlargement" even though it shrinks!