Final answer:
By calculating the real-world distances using their respective map scales, it was determined that the Salamander Trail, at 28 miles, is longer than the Great Oaks Trail, which is 27 miles, making the Salamander Trail the longer one.
Step-by-step explanation:
The above question requires us to determine which of the two trails, Great Oaks or Salamander, is the longer trail based on the map scales given. To do this, we calculate the real-world distances represented by the map distances for each trail and then compare them.
To find the real distance of the Great Oaks Trail, we use the scale 36 miles to 6 cm, which means every 1 cm on the map equals 6 miles in reality. Since Great Oaks Trail is 4.5 cm on the map, we multiply 4.5 cm by 6 miles per cm to get the length in miles:
4.5 cm x 6 miles/cm = 27 miles
For the Salamander Trail, using the scale 24 miles to 3 cm, we have 1 cm on the map equals 8 miles in reality. Salamander Trail is represented by 3.5 cm on the map, so we multiply 3.5 cm by 8 miles per cm:
3.5 cm x 8 miles/cm = 28 miles
Comparing the lengths, the Salamander Trail is 28 miles, and the Great Oaks Trail is 27 miles. Therefore, the Salamander Trail is longer.
The correct answer is B. Salamander Trail.