Map Scale
In a scale drawing or a scale model, all the dimensions of the actual object are reduced or
enlarged proportionally.
A map is a scale drawing in which actual distance is reduced.
The towns of Ardon and Bacton are on a map with a scale of 1 cm = 15 km.
If the map distance between Ardon and Bacton is 4.5 cm, what is the actual distance?
Actual distance
Actual distance
__________________ = __________________
Map distance
Map distance
15 km
X km
__________________ = _________________________________________________________
1 cm
4.5 cm
1 (X)
=
15 (4.5)
X
=
67.5 km ← Actual distance between Ardon and Bacton
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Map Scale
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Complete to find each unknown measurement.
1. A map scale is 1 in = 75 mi.
The map distance between Lewiston and Portage is 3.5 in. Find the actual distance (X)
between the towns.
Actual distance
Actual distance
__________________ = __________________
Map distance
Map distance
2. The actual distance between two towns is 175 km. If the distance between them on a
map is 7 cm, what is the map scale?
3. An archway is 4.5 inches tall in a scale drawing with ½ inch = 1 foot. Find the actual
height (X).
4. Under a 7:1 magnification, this letter F appears to be 84 points high. Find the actual
height (X).
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Map Scale
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