1. **State the problem:** We are given that 3.5 cm on a map represents 700 m in actual distance. 2. **Write the scale in ratio form:** The scale ratio compares map distance to actual distance in the same units. First, convert 700 m to cm because the map distance is in cm: $$700\text{ m} = 700 \times 100 = 70000\text{ cm}$$ So the scale ratio is: $$\frac{3.5\text{ cm}}{70000\text{ cm}}$$ 3. **Simplify the ratio:** Divide numerator and denominator by 3.5: $$\frac{\cancel{3.5}\text{ cm}}{\frac{70000}{3.5}\text{ cm}} = \frac{1}{20000}$$ Thus, the scale ratio is: $$1:20000$$ 4. **Find the actual distance represented by 9 cm on the map:** Using the scale ratio $1:20000$, 1 cm on the map represents 20000 cm in reality. So, 9 cm on the map represents: $$9 \times 20000 = 180000\text{ cm}$$ Convert back to meters: $$180000 \div 100 = 1800\text{ m}$$ **Final answers:** - a. Scale ratio is $1:20000$ - b. Distance represented by 9 cm on the map is $1800$ meters.