247SimpleTests
ASVAB · Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

On a map, 1 inch represents 50 miles. Two cities are 3.5 inches apart on the map. How far apart are they in actual miles?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

175 miles

  1. A 175 miles
  2. B 225 miles
  3. C 200 miles
  4. D 150 miles

Why this is the answer

3.5 × 50 = 175 miles. Scale proportion: inches × miles-per-inch = actual miles. Map-scale problems are direct proportions: 1 inch : 50 miles, so 3.5 inches : 3.5 × 50 miles. Split the decimal to do it mentally — 3 × 50 = 150 plus 0.5 × 50 = 25 gives 175. The distractor 150 miles ignores the half inch, 200 rounds 3.5 up to 4, and 225 uses 4.5 inches.
Source: ASVAB AR, Scale/Map Problems

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Ratios, Proportions, and Rates and other topics.

Take the Arithmetic Reasoning practice test →

About this topic: Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

Ratios, proportions and rates cover scale drawings, recipes, speed and unit prices. Almost every question reduces to setting two ratios equal and cross-multiplying — once you see that pattern the section becomes fast. This is one of 11 Arithmetic Reasoning questions on ratios, proportions, and rates, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

If 5 pounds of apples cost $4, how much would 15 pounds of apples cost?

 Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

The ratio of cats to dogs at a shelter is 3:5. If there are 24 cats, how many dogs are there?

 Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

A car travels 200 miles using 8 gallons of gas. At this rate, how many miles can the car travel on 12 gallons?

 Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

If 3 workers can complete a job in 8 hours, how many hours will it take 4 workers to complete the same job? (Assume all workers work at the same rate.)

Recommended study materials

Study guide

ASVAB Total Prep (Kaplan)

Kaplan's complete ASVAB guide with 1,000+ practice questions, 6 full-length tests, and AFQT focus.

Check Price → Study guide

Barron's ASVAB with Online Tests 12th Ed.

Comprehensive ASVAB review for all nine subtests with full-length practice exams and online tools.

Check Price → Study guide

ASVAB for Dummies 4th Ed. (Wiley)

Accessible, thorough ASVAB prep covering all subtests with tips for boosting your AFQT score.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →