Final answer:
The map scale of 1:24,000 means that 1 unit on the map equals 24,000 units in actual distance on the ground, so the correct answer is a) 1 unit on the map represents 24,000 units in reality.Option A is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a map's scale is presented in the form of the representative fraction 1:24,000, the correct interpretation of this scale is that 1 unit on the map represents 24,000 units in reality.
This type of scale is commonly used to convey the relationship between distances on a map and distances in the real world.
The representative fraction 1:24,000 means that every 1 unit of measurement on the map (such as an inch, centimeter, etc.) is equivalent to 24,000 of those same units on the ground. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is a) 1 unit on the map represents 24,000 units in reality.