In a scale model where planets are represented by coins sized proportionally to their actual sizes, which math concept is demonstrated?

In a scale model where planets are represented by coins sized proportionally to their actual sizes, which math concept is demonstrated?

• A. Proportion
• B. Ratio
• C. Model Size
• D. Scale

Answer: (D)

A scale model uses a fixed factor to convert real sizes into model sizes. Since each planet’s diameter is represented on coins by the same shrinking factor, the model preserves the real planets’ relative sizes. That consistent mapping from real dimensions to model dimensions is what scale is all about. Proportion and ratio are related ideas, but the situation here centers on applying a single scale to create a smaller, proportional copy of the real sizes.

A scale model uses a fixed factor to convert real sizes into model sizes. Since each planet’s diameter is represented on coins by the same shrinking factor, the model preserves the real planets’ relative sizes. That consistent mapping from real dimensions to model dimensions is what scale is all about. Proportion and ratio are related ideas, but the situation here centers on applying a single scale to create a smaller, proportional copy of the real sizes.