Question

If the scale of a particular map is 2 cm : 1 km, what is the Representative Fraction or RF?

• A. 1 : 50,000
• B. 1 : 1,00,000
• C. 1 : 1,50,000
• D. 1 : 2,00,000

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1 : 50,000

A Representative Fraction or RF describes the proportion or ratio of the map distance and the ground distance. That is,

Representative Fraction = distance on the map ÷ distance on the ground

But 1km = 1000m and 1m = 100cm
Thus, 1km = 1,00,000cm

The RF= 2cm: 1km, can also be written as the RF= 1cm = 0.5km.
Or 1cm = 0.5 * 1,00,000cm
Or 1cm = 50,000cm
Therefore, the RF here is 1: 50,000.