Final Answer:
The actual distance from the house to the beach cannot be determined based on the provided information. Thus the correct option is 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression "1:12,000" represents a scale factor, indicating a ratio between the model and the actual distance. However, without knowing the units associated with the ratio, such as inches, feet, or miles, we cannot determine the actual distance accurately. The lack of unit information makes it impossible to convert the scale factor into a measurable distance.
In map scales, the ratio typically denotes the relationship between a unit on the map and the corresponding unit in reality. For instance, in a scale of 1:12,000, one unit on the map corresponds to 12,000 units in reality. But without specifying the units, the answer remains undetermined.
In conclusion, the absence of unit information prevents us from calculating the actual distance, rendering the answer as "Cannot be determined." It emphasizes the critical role of unit clarity in interpreting scale factors accurately.