How does the operation of the pantograph relate to dilations and similarity? How can you use similar triangles to describe why the pantograph works as it does?

1.    The pin’s location aids to create two drawings simultaneously. This is that while drawing an image, a copy, which may vary in size, is created at the same time.

2.    The pantograph relates to dilation and similarity due to the use of similar triangles that affect the scale of the second drawing.  

3.    The use of similar triangles illustrates the process of the pantograph because the ratio of similitude is set when determining where to place the pin. When a triangle is moved while tracing a line, along with the outline of the image, an enlarged/reduced version of the image is created by the other pantograph's end.

4.    The pantograph is now obsolete and has been replaced by several different ways of producing duplicates such as photocopying, mass printing, and digital filing.