Scale Factor (Dilation)
Definition

The scale factor in the dilation of a mathematical object determines how much larger or smaller the image will be (compared to the original object).


When the absolute value of the scale factor is greater than one, an expansion occurs.

When the absolute value of the scale factor is less than one, a compression occurs.

When the absolute value of the scale factor is equal to one, neither an expansion nor a compression occurs.

Examples
Dilation example: Scale factor of two

Divider Line
Dilation example: Scale factor of one-half

Divider Line
Dilation example: Scale factor of one