Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyProportional reasoning with a scale
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
On a map, a distance of 1 inch represents an actual distance of 12 miles. Two towns are 4.5 inches apart on this map. What is the actual distance, in miles, between the two towns?
- A. 7.5
- B. 16.5
- C. 48
- D. 54Correct
Answer: D. 54
Each inch represents 12 miles, so 4.5 inches represents 4.5 × 12 = 54 miles. Choice A subtracts the two numbers (12 − 4.5). Choice B adds the two numbers (12 + 4.5). Choice C multiplies by only the whole-number part of the distance (4 × 12), ignoring the 0.5 inch.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. 7.5
- You subtracted 12 − 4.5; since each inch stands for 12 miles, you need to multiply 4.5 by 12.
- B. 16.5
- You added 12 + 4.5; the scale means each inch is worth 12 miles, so multiply: 4.5 × 12.
- C. 48
- You multiplied only the whole-inch part (4 × 12) and dropped the extra 0.5 inch, which is another 6 miles.
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