Final answer:
The scale of the map is determined by dividing the actual distance (144 miles) by the distance represented on the map (16 inches), which yields a scale of 1 inch represents 9 miles, option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scale of the map can be determined by dividing the actual distance by the distance on the map. In this case, the actual distance between Katy and Austin is 144 miles, and on the map, it is represented as 16 inches. To find the scale, we divide 144 by 16, which equals 9. Therefore, the scale of the map is 1 inch represents 9 miles.
When we talk about map scales, we are referring to the relationship between a certain length on the map and the actual length it represents on the ground. This is crucial for understanding distances on maps accurately. For example, if a scale reads "1 inch=2000 miles", this means that for every inch on the map, it represents 2000 miles in the real world. Scale is used not only in cartography but also in various design and engineering fields to represent real-world objects in smaller dimensions.
To find the scale of the map, we need to determine how many miles are represented by 1 inch on the map.
We are given that the distance between Katy and Austin is 144 miles and the distance represented on the map is 16 inches.
So, the scale of the map can be found by dividing the total miles by the total inches on the map:
Scale = Total miles / Total inches,
Scale = 144 miles / 16 inches,
Scale = 9 miles per inch.
Therefore, 1 inch represents 9 miles, so the answer is Option A: 1 inch represents 9 miles.