Map scale conversion: On a map, 0.6 cm represents 6.6 km. If two points are 80.5 cm apart on the map, what is their actual separation?

Introduction / Context:
Scale problems convert a drawing length to the real-world length via proportionality. First obtain the km per cm, then multiply by the measured cm to get the actual distance in km. Keep units clearly labeled throughout.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Scale: 0.6 cm ↔ 6.6 km.
• Map separation = 80.5 cm.

Concept / Approach:
Compute 1 cm equivalent = 6.6 / 0.6 = 11 km/cm. Then multiply the map length by 11 to get the real distance. This collapses the proportionality to simple multiplication.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check: 0.6 cm → 6.6 km means each 0.6 cm gives 6.6 km. 80.5 / 0.6 ≈ 134.167 scale units; 134.167 * 6.6 ≈ 885.5 km. Same result.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
870, 872.5, 895, 880 km are deviations from the exact proportional conversion of 11 km per cm.

Common Pitfalls:
Inverting the ratio (using 0.6/6.6) or forgetting to scale all the way from cm to km consistently.

Final Answer:
885.5 km