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Map Scale Word Problem: Calculating Actual Distance
Published on April 8, 2026
Word-Problem
Learn how to calculate the actual distance between two cities using a map scale of 1 inch = 25 miles when the map distance is 1.7 inches.
Question
The scale on a road map is 1 inch = 25 miles. If the measured distance on the map between two cities is 1.7 inches, what is the actual distance in miles? 17.5 miles 26.7 miles 14.7 miles 42.5 miles
Answer
Let the scale on the road map be represented by
We are given that
We are given that
Let the measured distance on the map between two cities be
We are given that
We are given that
Let the actual distance between the two cities be
Since the scale relates inches on the map to miles in reality, we can set up a proportion or use the given ratio to find the actual distance.
Using the ratio, we have:
We can rearrange this to solve for the actual distance:
Substitute the given map distance:
The ‘inches’ unit cancels out, leaving us with miles:
Now, we perform the multiplication:
So,
Alternatively, you can multiply directly:
25
x 1.7
175 (25 x 7)
250 (25 x 10)
425
Since there is one decimal place in 1.7, we place one decimal place in the answer: 42.5.
The actual distance between the two cities is 42.5 miles.
Comparing this result to the given options:
- 17.5 miles
- 26.7 miles
- 14.7 miles
- 42.5 miles
The calculated actual distance matches the last option.
The final answer is