Question

On a map, 1/4 inch between locations represents an actual distance of 2 miles between the locations. What is the actual distance, in miles, between two cities that are 3 3/4 inches apart on the map?

A. 15 miles
B. 30 miles
C. 45 miles
D. 60 miles

Answer 1

By using the map scale of 1/4 inch representing 2 miles, we set up a proportion to find that the actual distance between two cities that are 3 3/4 inches apart on the map is 30 miles.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the actual distance between two cities using the map scale, we can set up a proportion based on the given information. We know that 1/4 inch on the map represents an actual distance of 2 miles. To find the distance represented by 3 3/4 inches, we can use the following steps:

1. Convert 3 3/4 inches to a decimal to make the calculation easier. 3 3/4 inches is the same as 3.75 inches.
2. Set up a proportion where 1/4 inch corresponds to 2 miles. Therefore, 3.75 inches will correspond to an unknown number of miles (x).
3. The proportion will be as follows: (1/4 inch) / (2 miles) = (3.75 inches) / (x miles).
4. Solve for x by cross-multiplying: (1/4) * x = 2 * 3.75.
5. After calculating, x = 2 * 3.75 / (1/4) = 2 * 3.75 * 4 = 30 miles.

Therefore, the actual distance between the two cities that are 3 3/4 inches apart on the map is 30 miles, which corresponds to option B.