DD. 3 Scale drawings: scale factor word problems KCM [x. \( { }_{A} \) ] Betty drew a scale drawing of a swimming pool. The scale of the drawing was 4 millimeters \( =7 \) meters. What scale factor does the drawing use? [×A] Simplify your answer and write it as a fraction. \( \square \) Submit

In Betty's scale drawing, every 4 millimeters represents 7 meters in real life. To find the scale factor, you can set it up as a fraction of the drawing's measurements to the actual size: \( \frac{4 \text{ mm}}{7000 \text{ mm}} \). Simplifying this fraction gives you \( \frac{1}{1750} \). Therefore, the scale factor Betty used is \( \frac{1}{1750} \). Understanding scale factors is crucial for many real-world applications, such as architecture or cartography. When creating designs or maps, a precise scale factor allows for accurate representation, ensuring buildings fit within their lots or routes are efficiently plotted. Using the correct scale ensures all necessary elements can coexist harmoniously, just like in a well-planned garden!