Finding Drawing Lengths from Actual Measurements

Finding Drawing Lengths from Actual Measurements

Introduction

A scale can be used to convert an actual measurement into a length on a drawing. A proportion keeps the drawing and actual measurements in the same ratio.

A mapmaker uses an existing map to create a new map showing cities A and B. On the new map, one inch represents twenty miles. He wants to mark the cities at the correct distance apart.

Cities A and B are one hundred forty miles apart. To determine how far apart to mark them on the new map, he uses the given scale. Because the scale keeps t...