Finding the Distance Between Two Points in New York State

Question: What is the distance, in miles between Ithaca and Watertown, NY? First, open your Earth Science Reference Tables to page 3, the Generalized Bedrock Geology Map......................

Find the two cities, Ithaca and Watertown (red dots)

Using an index card or blank piece of paper, line up one edge between the two cities. Be accurate!

Make a small, straight mark on the card at the location of each city (red lines).

Move the card to the key. Be sure to use the “miles” side since that’s what the question is asking for. Place one of the red marks on the 0.

With one of your red marks at the 0, make a mark at the end of the key at 50 miles (see blue line).

Now slide the card along until the blue mark is at 0 Now slide the card along until the blue mark is at 0. Make a note that the distance between your first red mark and the blue mark is 50 miles.

Make another mark at the end of the key (second blue mark) and note that the distance between the two blue marks is another 50 miles.

Slide the card over until the second blue mark is on the 0 Slide the card over until the second blue mark is on the 0. Note that the distance between the blue mark and your second red mark is another 10 miles.

Now just add up the miles. Ithaca is 110 miles from Watertown.

Things to remember....................... 1) Read the question carefully. Be sure you know whether you’re measuring miles or kilometers. 2) When making the marks at the cities or mountains be sure your line is on the dot representing that city or the triangle representing the mountain. 3) Be accurate. Make small straight marks and keep track of distances measured at the key. 4) Don’t be lazy. Go back and check your work!