what are scales ?(math)?

Question

on a map, the scale is 1 inch:150milies.for each map distance, find the actualdistance.

Answer 1

you cannot make maps with actual distances.so you choose a suitable scale and miniaturise the map.
so on a map if two cities are separated by 3" and the scale is 1"=300 miles the distance actual is 900 miles

Answer 2

SO ON THE MAP ONE INCH IS OR EQUALS 150 MILES. SAY YOU HAVE TO PLACES THAT ARE TWO INCHES APART THEN THE ACTUAL DISTANCE IS 300 MILES ( 2 x 150 ). OR 3.5 INCHES APART 525 MILES (3.5 x 150). DID THAT HELP?