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Grade 6 · lesson 1 of 4

Turn a map measurement into distance

Use a supplied scale without confusing a map with real travel conditions.

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Supplied materials

  • Original fictional map description: North is at the top. School is at the left, library at the right. Their straight-line map separation is 4 cm. The scale is 1 cm = 250 m. A footbridge is shown between them, but no opening hours are supplied.
  • No real location or address is needed.

Learn the idea

A map scale relates a map measurement to an actual distance. Multiply the measured map length by the distance represented by one unit. Label both units so centimetres do not become metres by accident.

A straight-line separation is not necessarily a walking route. A map may omit temporary closures, opening hours or accessible entrances. Separate what the supplied map establishes from what would need another source.

  1. Write the scale with both units.
  2. Multiply the 4 cm separation by 250 m per cm.
  3. State the distance in metres and kilometres.
  4. List one fact the map does not establish before answering the changed case.
Worked example

See the method in action

School to library: 4 × 250 = 1,000 m, which is 1 km. This is their straight-line separation; the map does not prove the bridge is open or the route step-free.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

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On the same map, a second pair of places is 6 cm apart. What is their straight-line separation?

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See the answer and explanation

1,500 m

Each map centimetre represents 250 m, so 6 × 250 = 1,500 m. The calculation gives separation, not a guarantee about travel time or route accessibility.

Take it further

If a new map uses 1 cm = 500 m, a 6 cm separation means 3,000 m. Explain why the scale must be read again.

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Longer courses for learners ages 14+

These related courses have their own preparation and projects. They are not early-grade assignments.

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These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.