Final answer:
The accuracy to which a protractor can scale direction in mils is not specified in the provided segments, but the concept of using proportions is relevant for mapping questions to determine distances on a map based on its scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we're considering the level of detail a protractor can provide when scaling directions from a map, the provided segments of material do not explicitly include this detail. Therefore, I am unable to confidently provide the accuracy to which an observer can scale direction using a protractor in mils.
However, for the mapping questions using proportions, one can set up a proportion based on the provided map scale to calculate distances. For example, with a scale of 1 inch equals 5.5 miles, to find out the number of inches needed to map 16.5 miles, one would set up the following proportion: 1 inch / 5.5 miles = x inches / 16.5 miles. Solving for x gives you the required number of inches on the map to represent 16.5 miles.
To solve the reverse problem, for example with a scale of 0.5 inches equals 100 miles, to find out the actual distance represented by a scale measurement of 3 inches, one would set up this proportion: 0.5 inches / 100 miles = 3 inches / y miles. Solving for y gives you the actual distance that 3 inches on the map represents.