8.3.C

Math8th Grade

The Standard

use an algebraic representation to explain the effect of a given positive rational scale factor applied to two-dimensional figures on a coordinate plane with the origin as the center of dilation

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students represent a dilation from the origin with the rule (x, y) → (kx, ky), where k is a positive rational number. They use the rule to explain how the coordinates, side lengths, size, and orientation change.

What Mastery Looks Like

A student writes the rule (x, y) → (kx, ky) and uses it to find every image coordinate. The student explains that lengths change by k while angle measures and shape stay the same.

Common Misconceptions

Students may multiply only one coordinate or add the scale factor instead of multiplying. They may also think a factor between 0 and 1 creates a reflection or changes angle measures.

How to Assess It

Give students triangle A(2, 1), B(4, 1), C(2, 3) and scale factor 1/2. Ask for the rule, image coordinates, and one sentence describing the change.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Plot a triangle on graph paper, then multiply each coordinate by 3/2 and connect the image points with a different color.

  2. Ask students to explain in writing why a scale factor of 1/4 shrinks a figure without moving the center of dilation.

  3. Run a card sort matching original coordinates, scale factors, algebraic rules, and image coordinates.

  4. Use a digital photo grid to model enlarging or reducing an image, then connect pixel coordinates to the rule (x, y) → (kx, ky).

Keep exploring

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