Question

what number can you multiply each length on the map by to find the actual distance? 4 in.: 2 mi

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the scale

The scale is 4 in. : 2 mi, which simplifies to 2 in. : 1 mi. This means 1 mile in actual - distance is represented by 2 inches on the map. To find the multiplier for map - length to actual - distance, we consider the ratio of actual distance to map distance.
The multiplier is $\frac{1}{2}$ (since 1 mi actual distance corresponds to 2 in on map, so to get actual distance from map distance, we multiply map distance by $\frac{1}{2}$ mi per in).

Answer:

$\frac{1}{2}$