Question

In representative fraction the unit of measurement of distance in the numerator and the denominator should be ______________________.
A. different
B. same
C. numerator should be greater
D. denominator should be greater

Answer 1

HintTo accurately understand a map and get an idea of the scale of it, a reference number ratio is required which shows the relation between the unit length of the map and the length of the actual distance of that unit on the ground.

Complete step by step solutionA representative fraction is simply a ratio that shows us the scale of a given map. A large-scale map will show the magnified view of a particular area. Its unit distance will represent a smaller distance on land as compared to a small-scale map which will represent a larger distance. An example of a representative fraction of a map is $1:200000$. It shows that 1 cm on the map is equal to 2 km on the ground (100000 cm is equal to 1 km). As representative fraction is just a ratio, it is a unit-less relation between the two-sided. So whatever unit we use on one side, it is going to be the same for the other side as well.

Thus, option (B) is correct.

NoteIf using a small scale, the curvature of the earth also plays a role in the accuracy of the representative fraction. When we move up the latitude then the distance between meridians decreases, so the actual distance on the ground decreases with an increase in latitude. But most maps show only one scale. This error decreases with an increase in the scale of the map i.e., Large scale maps are more accurate. The method used for printing a flat map of a curved surface (like Earth), is known as Mercator Projection.