Practice Scale
A scale compares a length on a drawing with the corresponding real length using the same units.
It helps you interpret maps and create accurate plans.
Exercises with solutions
A scale gives the ratio between a drawing and reality. With 1:100, 1 cm on the drawing means 100 cm in reality. From drawing to reality you multiply, from reality to drawing you divide.
Exercise 1
A map has scale 1:100. How long is a distance in reality that measures 3 cm on the map?
Show solution and working
300 cm = 3 m
1 cm on the map corresponds to 100 cm in reality. So 3 · 100 cm = 300 cm = 3 m.
Exercise 2
A drawing has scale 1:50. An object is 4 cm long on the drawing. How long is it in reality?
Show solution and working
200 cm = 2 m
4 · 50 cm = 200 cm = 2 m.
Exercise 3
A distance is 500 cm long and is to be drawn at scale 1:100. How long is it on the drawing?
Show solution and working
5 cm
From reality to drawing you divide: 500 cm ÷ 100 = 5 cm.
Exercise 4
A model car is built at scale 1:43 and is 10 cm long. How long is the original approximately?
Show solution and working
about 430 cm = 4.3 m
10 cm · 43 = 430 cm = 4.3 m.
Common mistake
Calculating in the wrong direction. A scale of 1:100 reduces: what is larger in reality becomes smaller on the drawing. Check the result by asking whether the number should grow or shrink.
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