1. **State the problem:** We need to find the number to multiply each length on the map by to get the actual distance in miles. 2. **Given:** The scale is 4 inches on the map represents 2 miles in reality. 3. **Formula:** Actual distance = (Map length) \times (Scale factor) 4. **Find the scale factor:** $$\text{Scale factor} = \frac{\text{Actual distance}}{\text{Map length}} = \frac{2 \text{ miles}}{4 \text{ inches}}$$ 5. **Simplify the fraction:** $$\frac{2}{4} = \frac{\cancel{2}}{\cancel{4}} = \frac{1}{2}$$ 6. **Interpretation:** Multiply each length on the map by $\frac{1}{2}$ to get the actual distance in miles. 7. **Example:** For a map length of 2.5 inches, $$2.5 \times \frac{1}{2} = 1.25 \text{ miles}$$ **Final answer:** Multiply each map length by $\frac{1}{2}$ (or 0.5) to find the actual distance in miles.