Question

A map is created of Maricopa County with a scale factor of 1 inch = 2.5 miles. The distance between Phoenix and Fountain Hills is 2.92 inches on the map. Determine the actual distance between the two cities.

Answer 1

The actual distance between Phoenix and Fountain Hills is 7.3 miles

Explanation:

We note that the scale factor gives the ratio of the map reading to the actual distance reading

The scale factor of the map is 1 inch = 2.5 miles

The distance between Phoenix and Fountain Hills = 2.92 inches on the map

Let the actual distance between Phoenix and Fountain Hills = D, we have;

D/(2.92 inches) = 2.5 miles/inch

Therefore;

D = 2.92 inches × 2.5 miles/inch = 7.3 miles

D = 7.3 miles

The actual distance between Phoenix and Fountain Hills = D = 7.3 miles.