The distance between the cities of Klark and Copper is 60 miles. On a map, the distance is represented by 8 inches. What is the scale of the map?

Question

I have no idea how to solve this...

Answer 1

CeCe, when we talk about the scale of a map, it's usually one inch on the map equals so many miles. We need to set up a proportion.

 

Since 8 inches represents 60 miles, then what does 1 inch represent?

 

8/60 = 1/x

 

Cross multiplying, we get 8x = 60. Dividing both sides by 8, we get x = 7.5. 

 

So, every inch on the map represents 7.5 actual miles.

 

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

8 inches : 60 miles           {given values]

 

But, like fractions, this can be reduced.

2*2*2 inches : 2*2*3*5 miles                    [these are the prime factors]

   2 inches : 15 miles

 

or 1 inch : 7.5 miles          [often, the first value is a base value]