Illustrative Mathematics Grade 7, Unit 1, Lesson 3: Making Scaled Copies


Learning Targets:

  • I can draw a scaled copy of a figure using a given scale factor.
  • I know what operation to use on the side lengths of a figure to produce a scaled copy.



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Illustrative Math
Grade 7

Lesson 3: Making Scaled Copies

Let’s draw scaled copies.

Illustrative Math Unit 7.1, Lesson 3 (printable worksheets)

Lesson 3 Summary

The following diagram describes how to create a scaled copy by multiplying the lengths in the original figure by a scale factor
Make Scaled Copies




Lesson 3.1 More or Less?

For each problem, select the answer from the two choices.

  1. The value of 25 · (8.5) is:
    a. More than 205
    b. Less than 205
  2. The value of (9.93) · (0.984) is:
    a. More than 10
    b. Less than 10
  3. The value of (0.24) · (0.67) is:
    a. More than 0.2
    b. Less than 0.2

Lesson 3.2 Drawing Scaled Copies

  1. Draw a scaled copy of either Figure A or B using a scale factor of 3.
  2. Draw a scaled copy of either Figure C or D using a scale factor of 1/2.
    Open Applet

Lesson 3.3 Which Operations? (Part 1)

Diego and Jada want to scale this polygon so the side that corresponds to 15 units in the original is 5 units in the scaled copy.
Diego and Jada each use a different operation to find the new side lengths. Here are their finished drawings.

  1. What operation do you think Diego used to calculate the lengths for his drawing?
  2. What operation do you think Jada used to calculate the lengths for her drawing?
  3. Did each method produce a scaled copy of the polygon? Explain your reasoning.

Lesson 3.4 Which Operations? (Part 2)

Andre wants to make a scaled copy of Jada’s drawing so the side that corresponds to 4 units in Jada’s polygon is 8 units in his scaled copy.

  1. Andre says “I wonder if I should add 4 units to the lengths of all of the segments?” What would you say in response to Andre? Explain or show your reasoning.
  2. Create the scaled copy that Andre wants. If you get stuck, consider using the edge of an index card or paper to measure the lengths needed to draw the copy.

Are you ready for more?

The side lengths of Triangle B are all 5 more than the side lengths of Triangle A. Can Triangle B be a scaled copy of Triangle A? Explain your reasoning.

Lesson 3 Practice Problems

  1. Here are 3 polygons.
  2. Quadrilateral A has side lengths 6, 9, 9, and 12. Quadrilateral B is a scaled copy of Quadrilateral A, with its shortest side of length 2. What is the perimeter of Quadrilateral B?
  3. Here is a polygon on a grid.
    Draw a scaled copy of this polygon that has a perimeter of 30 units. What is the scale factor? Explain how you know.
  4. Priya and Tyler are discussing the figures shown below. Priya thinks that B, C, and D are scaled copies of A. Tyler says B and D are scaled copies of A. Do you agree with Priya, or do you agree with Tyler? Explain your reasoning.


The Open Up Resources math curriculum is free to download from the Open Up Resources website and is also available from Illustrative Mathematics.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.
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