Question

A map with a scale of 1:24,000 means that

Answer 1

A map with a scale of 1:24,000 means that the map is 1/24,000 the actual size of the area.

Answer 2

1:24000

the 1 indicates the actual size of one unit.

24000 is the scale units for the one unit of actual size on the map

for example. if its 1 inch =24000 miles, then every inch of map there is, is 24000 miles.