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Checking and securing understanding of scaled drawings

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can interpret scaled drawings in a variety of contexts.

Key learning points

  1. Maps are a practical example of a multiplicative relationships.
  2. The scale factor is the multiplier.
  3. The multiplicative relationship can be written as a ratio.
  4. Real-life scaling involves writing a ratio involving the parts which are dependent on each other.

Keywords

  • Proportionality - Variables are in proportion if they have a constant multiplicative relationship.

  • Ratio - A ratio shows the relative sizes of 2 or more values and allows you to compare a part with another part in a whole.

Common misconception

Misinterpreting a scale, particularly if given with no units.

Encourage pupils to carefully convert the scale into a more useful scale. E.g. writing 1 : 20 0000 as 1 cm = 2 km

Teacher tip

Provide groups of pupils with a scale model or photograph. Give them the scale and as a group the pupils can work out the measurements in real-life.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Variables are in proportion if they have a constant relationship.

additive
different
Correct answer: multiplicative
division

Q2.
How many centimetres are in 1 metre?

Correct Answer: 100, one hundred, 100 cm, 100cm

Q3.
How many centimetres are in 1 kilometre?

Correct Answer: 100 000, 100000, 100 000 cm, 100000 cm, 100 000cm

Q4.
If 1 cm = 5 km, how many kilometres are represented by 6 cm?

Correct Answer: 30 km, 30, 30 kilometres

Q5.
If 1 cm = 5 km, how many centimetres represent 45 km?

Correct Answer: 9 cm, 9, 9 centimetres

Q6.
If 1 cm = 5 km, how many kilometres are represented by 4.5 cm?

Correct Answer: 22.5 km, 22.5, 22.5 kilometres

6 Questions

Q1.
Variables are in proportion if they have a relationship.

constant additive
different additive
Correct answer: constant multiplicative
different multiplicative

Q2.
If 1 cm = 20 km, how many kilometres are represented by 6 cm?

Correct Answer: 120 km, 120, 120 kilometres

Q3.
If 1 cm = 20 km, how many centimetres represent 60 km?

Correct Answer: 3 cm, 3, 3 centimetres

Q4.
The scale on a map is 1 : 300 000. The distance between two places on the map is 4 cm. What is the distance in real life in kilometres?

Correct Answer: 12 km, 12, 12 kilometres

Q5.
The scale on a map is 1 : 400 000. The distance between two places in real life is 14 km. What is the distance between them on the map?

Correct Answer: 3.5 cm, 3..5 centimetres, 3.5

Q6.
The scale of a model building is 1 : 200. The height of a model church is 6.5 cm. How tall is the church in real life?

Correct Answer: 13 m, 1300 cm, 1300 centimetres, 13 metres

To help you plan your 10 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding of scaled drawings, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...