Maps with decimal distances

key notes :

1. Understanding Maps with Decimal Distances

  • Maps are visual representations of places, showing locations and distances between points.
  • Decimal distances help measure real-world distances more accurately.
  • Example: A distance of 2.5 km on a map means 2 kilometers and 500 meters in real life.

2. Decimals in Distance Measurement

  • Decimals represent parts of a kilometer, meter, or mile.
  • 1 km = 1000 meters, so 0.5 km = 500 meters and 0.25 km = 250 meters.
  • Example: If a map shows a 3.75 km distance, it means 3 km and 750 meters.

3. Using a Scale on a Map

  • A map scale shows how distances on a map correspond to real-life distances.
  • Example: 1 cm = 0.5 km means every 1 cm on the map equals 0.5 km in real life.

4. Converting Between Units

  • To convert km to meters, multiply by 1000 (e.g., 1.2 km = 1200 meters).
  • To convert meters to km, divide by 1000 (e.g., 250 meters = 0.25 km).

5. Reading and Calculating Distances

  • Measure the distance between two points using a ruler.
  • Multiply by the scale to get the real-world distance.
  • Example: If the distance on the map is 4 cm and the scale is 1 cm = 2 km, the real distance is 4 × 2 = 8 km.

6. Practical Uses of Decimal Distances

  • Used in road maps, GPS systems, and navigation apps.
  • Helps plan travel routes, hiking trips, and city navigation.

Learn with an example

Using the paths shown, the distance from Belmont to Allenville is 6.5 kilometers.


How far is it from Booneville to Allenville?

To find the total distance, add up the paths:

Belmont to Booneville2.5 km
Booneville to Allenville?

You already know the total distance is 6.5 kilometers, so solve for the missing
distance:
2.5 + ? = 6.5
? = 6.5 − 2.5
? = 4
So, the distance from Booneville to Allenville is 4 kilometers.

Using the paths shown, the distance from Hillsboro to Georgetown is 4.3 kilometers.


How far is it from Hillsboro to Milford?

To find the total distance, add up the paths:

Hillsboro to Milford   ?
Milford to Georgetown   2.3 km

You already know the total distance is 4.3 kilometers, so solve for the missing
distance:
? + 2.3 = 4.3
? = 4.3 − 2.3
? = 2
So, the distance from Hillsboro to Milford is 2 kilometers.

Using the paths shown,

how far is it from Newberry to Kensington?

_____  km

To find the total distance, add up the paths:

Newberry to Newton   10 km
Newton to Lexington   4.1 km
Lexington to Kensington   7.8 km

10 + 4.1 + 7.8 = 21.9

So, the total distance from Newberry to Kensington is 21.9 kilometers.

Let’s practice!