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Converting from a distance on a map

Converting from a distance on a map based on the map's scale

This math skill teaches how to convert a distance measured on a map to the actual distance on the ground, utilizing the map's scale. It involves multiplying the map distance by the scale factor, then converting from centimeters to meters, and finally to kilometers.

Learn converting from a distance on a map

Teaching Transcript

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How many kilometers does 3 centimeters represent on a map with a 1 to 10,000 scale?

Since the map has a 1 to 10,000 scale, 3 centimeters on the map would be 30,000 centimeters in reality.

We know that a centimeter is 1 one hundredth of a meter

So 30,000 centimeters is 300 meters.

One meter is 1 one thousandth of a kilometer, so 300 meters is 300 over 1000 kilometers

Which would be 0.3 kilometers.

Skill Practice

Converting from a distance on a map based on the map's scale

Test your understanding of converting from a distance on a map by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.