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ASVAB · Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

A map uses a scale where 1 inch represents 25 miles. If two cities are 4.5 inches apart on the map, how far apart are they in reality?

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

112.5 miles

  1. A 100 miles
  2. B 112.5 miles
  3. C 125 miles
  4. D 29.5 miles

Why this is the answer

Set up a proportion using the scale: 1 inch / 25 miles = 4.5 inches / x miles. Cross-multiply: 1 × x = 25 × 4.5, so x = 112.5 miles. Scale and proportion problems are solved by writing the known ratio equal to the unknown ratio and cross-multiplying. Here each inch is 25 miles, so 4.5 inches is simply 4.5 × 25 = 112.5 miles. Always keep the units consistent (inches with inches, miles with miles) when setting up the proportion, and the cross-multiplication gives the missing value directly.
Source: ASVAB AR, Map Scale Proportion

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.

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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.

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