Ratios Math Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 4

hard
A map uses the scale 1:50,0001 : 50{,}000. Two towns are 3.53.5 cm apart on the map. What is the actual distance in kilometres?

Solution

  1. 1
    Actual distance in cm: 3.5×50,000=175,0003.5 \times 50{,}000 = 175{,}000 cm.
  2. 2
    Convert to km: 175,000÷100,000=1.75175{,}000 \div 100{,}000 = 1.75 km.

Answer

1.75 km1.75 \text{ km}
A map scale is a ratio. Multiply the map measurement by the scale factor, then convert units as needed.

About Ratios

A ratio compares two or more quantities by showing how many times one contains the other, written as a:ba:b or ab\frac{a}{b}. Unlike fractions, ratios can compare parts to parts, not just parts to wholes.

Learn more about Ratios →

More Ratios Examples

Example 1 easy

A recipe calls for 3 cups of flour and 2 cups of sugar. What is the ratio of flour to sugar, and how

Example 2 medium

The ratio of boys to girls in a class is [formula]. If there are 40 students total, how many boys an

Example 3 easy

Simplify the ratio [formula].

Example 5 medium

A recipe uses flour and sugar in a 5:2 ratio. If you use 15 cups of flour, how much sugar do you nee

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