When the scale is given as 1 cm = 50 km, it means that every 1 centimeter on a map or diagram represents a real-world distance of 50 kilometers.

To use this scale:

1. Measure the distance on the map: You can measure the distance between two points using a ruler or other measuring tool.
2. Multiply by the scale factor: Multiply the measured distance (in cm) by 50 to find the real-world distance in kilometers.

For example:

• If the distance on the map between two points is 5 cm, then the real-world distance will be: $5 \, \text{cm} \times 50 \, \text{km/cm} = 250 \, \text{km}$

Let me know if you have any questions or want to explore more examples! Here are some related questions to think about:

1. How do you convert from a different scale (e.g., 1 cm = 100 km) to kilometers?
2. What if the map has a scale of 1 inch = 10 miles instead of cm and km?
3. How can you calculate the area on a map based on a given scale?
4. What would the real distance be if two points are 2.5 cm apart on the map?
5. How can this scaling principle be applied to architectural drawings or blueprints?

Tip: When using map scales, it's always helpful to have a conversion chart nearby if you're dealing with various units (inches, miles, centimeters, etc.).