Section 2

Scale Model Example

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Model trains are often built using a scale called HO, which as a ratio is approximately 1:87. Luke wants to build a model of a particular locomotive that has an actual length of 93 ft. If Luke wants to build an HO model of this locomotive, what would its scale model length be to the nearest tenth of an inch?

Solution

As you work through Model Train Example—Solution, pay attention to the two proportions set up to help solve this problem. What do each of the proportions relate?

Another common use of scale diagrams is for creating maps. As you work through the following example, pay attention to the proportion used to relate the distances to the scale—notice how the units must be the same.

Example

A small corner of Prince Albert National Park is shown on the map. The scale is 1:125 000. What distance does 1 cm on the map represent?

Atlas of Canada, (Ottawa: Natural Resources Canada, 2009),
<http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/auth/english/maps/archives/national_park/mcr_0210/#download>;
(17 November 2011).

Solution

The scale is 1:125 000.