The Map scale is used to figure out the length on how far apart the cities, states, and or countries from each other. If the scale is 1 : x, then divide the actual distance by x to calculate the map distance. If you were in Texas and wanted to figure out how many miles it was to Wyoming. See how many inches it is on a map, which is roughly like 3-4 inches.(Just a guess.)Then look on the bottom of the map and there is a scale. See what the scale says, it might say 3-4 inches is equal to about 1,000 miles.
That is what the scale does and how to use it. :) Hope this helped!
