What does "scale factor" mean in math?

[Rajiv Kumar]

I'm learning about enlarging shapes and the term "scale factor" keeps coming up. Can anyone explain it simply?

 

[Jaxenmoor]

A scale factor is a number used to multiply or divide the size of a shape to make it larger or smaller, while maintaining the shape's original proportions.
For example, if you have a triangle and apply a scale factor of 2, all the sides become twice as long.
It’s used in geometry, maps, models, and resizing images.

 

[riya]

In math, a scale factor is a number that multiplies the dimensions of a figure to create a new figure that is larger or smaller but similar in shape.