Question

If 1 centimeter on a map represents 50 kilometers, how many centimeters will show the distance between two cities which are 350 kilometers apart?

A) 5 cm
B) 7 cm
C) 8 cm
D) 9 cm

Answer 1

To find the map distance representing 350 kilometers using a scale where 1 centimeter equals 50 kilometers, you set up a proportion. Solving the proportion reveals that 350 kilometers are represented by 7 centimeters on the map.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking how to convert a real distance into a map distance using a scale factor. The scale given is 1 centimeter on the map represents 50 kilometers in real life. To find out how many centimeters represent 350 kilometers on the map, we use the scale factor as a ratio.

First, write the unit scale as a ratio:
1 cm / 50 km.

Then, set up a proportion to find the map distance that corresponds to a real distance of 350 km:
1 cm / 50 km = x cm / 350 km.

Now, solve for x by cross-multiplying:

50 km * x cm = 1 cm * 350 km
x = 350 km / 50 km
x = 7 cm.

Therefore, the map distance representing 350 kilometers is 7 centimeters.