16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumMap scale

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

On a map, 1 centimetre represents 25 kilometres. Two towns are 6.4 centimetres apart on the map. What is the actual distance between the towns, in kilometres?

Answer: 160

Each centimetre stands for 25 kilometres, so multiply: 6.4 × 25 = 160 kilometres.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 25
25 is the distance for ONE centimetre. The towns are 6.4 centimetres apart.
If you answered 0.256
0.256 is 6.4 / 25 — dividing instead of multiplying. Each map centimetre is worth 25 real kilometres, so the real distance is larger.
If you answered 31.4
31.4 is 6.4 + 25. A scale multiplies; it doesn't add.

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