For a certain map, the scale shows that 1 cm on the map equals 2.50 km on earth's surface. two towns on the map are 4.75 cm apart. what is the actual distance between the two towns

In this problem, to find the answer we have to setup a series of ratios that relate the scale to real life distance. We know that 1cm = 2.50km, so that ratio would be 1cm/2.5km. For two towns that are 4.75cm apart on the map, we set a ration of 4.75cm/x km, where x is the actual distance. Now we set the ratios equal to each other and solve for x. 1/2.5=4.75/x where x = 4.75*2.5/1 = 11.875 and rounding up we get 11.88 km. The two towns are actually 11.88 km apart from each other.