Scale Factor

Question

A nature reserve with an area of 225 km² is represented on a map by an area of 36cm². Find the area, in cm^2,, of the nature reserve represented on a map with a scale of 1cm to 5km

Answer 1

1. If a map uses a scale of 1cm to 5km, then 1²cm² will be equal to 5² km².  So, 1cm² = 25 km²
2. Now, you can set up the ratio:
1. 1 cm²/25 km² = x cm²/ 225 km²
2. 25x = 225
3. x = 225/25 = 9
3. The area on the map is 9 cm²