Using scale (for example; in terms of a map) with ratios is expressed in a slightly different way to fractions.[br][br]In plain terms:[br]A map with a scale of 1 to 10 is simply stating that for each unit of length on the given map is equivalent to an actual measurement on the landscape that the map represents.[br]In this case 1 cm on the map is equivalent to 1 km on the landscape.[br][br]If the size of the map changes (either increases or decreases in size) then the scale will change.[br]If, as in the graphic below, the size of the map increases then the scale factor will [i]decrease[/i].[br]If the size of the map decreases in size then the scale factor will [i]increase[/i].[br][br]