On a map with a scale of 1:50,000, a measured distance of 3 cm on the map equals how many meters on the ground?

On a map with a scale of 1:50,000, a measured distance of 3 cm on the map equals how many meters on the ground?

• A. 300 meters
• B. 1500 meters
• C. 1,500,000 meters
• D. 15 meters

Answer: (B)

The map scale 1:50,000 means 1 centimeter on the map equals 50,000 centimeters on the ground. Convert that ground distance: 50,000 cm = 500 meters. So 3 cm on the map represents 3 × 500 meters = 1,500 meters on the ground. Therefore, the measured distance on the ground is 1,500 meters.

The map scale 1:50,000 means 1 centimeter on the map equals 50,000 centimeters on the ground. Convert that ground distance: 50,000 cm = 500 meters. So 3 cm on the map represents 3 × 500 meters = 1,500 meters on the ground. Therefore, the measured distance on the ground is 1,500 meters.