Final answer:
To estimate the actual distance between points on a map, the scale of the map is needed. Without the scale, one cannot accurately convert measurements from centimeters to meters. Simulations like PhET Estimation can aid in understanding size estimations in various contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance between the sandbox and the jungle gym or the sandbox and the swings on the map is provided in centimeters, but the actual distance in the real world is required to be in meters. To find this, we would need the scale on the map. For example, if the scale is 1 centimeter to 1 meter, then a distance of 1.7 centimeters on the map would be 1.7 meters in reality. Without knowing the scale, it is not possible to provide an exact answer.
Using an older rule of thumb for sandbox dimensions might suggest that the length can range from about 5 to 8 diameters side-to-side. If this is a clue about the sandbox's size, it implies that typical sandbox sizes can vary significantly.
To estimate real world sizes from a scale drawing, or for practice with estimation in general, one can explore simulations like the PhET Estimation tool which helps in better understanding sizes and dimensions in different contexts, whether in one, two, or three dimensions.