In GCSE Maths, the area scale factor refers to the ratio by which the area of a two-dimensional shape is increased or decreased when the shape is enlarged or reduced. If a shape is enlarged by a linear scale factor, the area scale factor is the square of the linear scale factor. For example, if a shape is enlarged by a linear scale factor of 3, the area scale factor is 3 squared, which equals 9. This concept helps students understand how changes in dimensions affect the size of a shape's area, which is crucial when solving problems involving similar figures and real-world applications such as mapping and modelling.
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