To solve this question, we use the scale provided on the map.

Given Data:

• Distance on the map: 3.5 cm
• Scale: 1 : 250,000
  This means that 1 cm on the map represents 250,000 cm in reality.

Steps:

1. Convert the map distance to real-world distance using the scale: $\text{Actual Distance} = \text{Map Distance} \times \text{Scale Factor}$ Substituting the values: $\text{Actual Distance} = 3.5 \times 250,000 = 875,000 \, \text{cm}$

2. Convert the actual distance from centimeters to kilometers: $1 \, \text{kilometer} = 100,000 \, \text{cm}$ So, $\text{Actual Distance in kilometers} = \frac{875,000}{100,000} = 8.75 \, \text{km}$

Final Answer:

The actual distance from town $A$ to town $B$ is 8.75 kilometers.

Let me know if you need further clarification or detailed explanations.

Related Questions:

1. How would the distance change if the scale were $1 : 100,000$?
2. What is the conversion process if the distance is given in inches instead of centimeters?
3. Can you calculate the distance if the map distance were doubled (7 cm)?
4. What if the actual distance in kilometers is already known—how do you work backward to find the map distance?
5. Why is it important to use consistent units when solving scale-related problems?

Tip:

Always double-check unit conversions when working with scales, as small errors can lead to large inaccuracies in the result!