A map uses a scale of 1 inch = 5 miles. If two cities are 3 inches apart on the map, what is the actual distance?

A map uses a scale of 1 inch = 5 miles. If two cities are 3 inches apart on the map, what is the actual distance?

• A. 15 miles
• B. 12 miles
• C. 18 miles
• D. 20 miles

Answer: (A)

When a map uses a scale of 1 inch = 5 miles, every inch on the map represents 5 real miles. So a 3-inch separation on the map corresponds to 3 × 5 = 15 miles in the real world. The actual distance is 15 miles. (For context, 12, 18, or 20 miles would require map separations of 2.4, 3.6, or 4 inches, respectively.)

When a map uses a scale of 1 inch = 5 miles, every inch on the map represents 5 real miles. So a 3-inch separation on the map corresponds to 3 × 5 = 15 miles in the real world. The actual distance is 15 miles. (For context, 12, 18, or 20 miles would require map separations of 2.4, 3.6, or 4 inches, respectively.)