BECE Mathematics 2014 Paper

Concept:A scale compares the diagram length with the real length after converting both to the same unit.Explanation:The real length of the hall is $8\ \mathrm{m}$.Since $1\ \mathrm{m} = 100\ \mathrm{cm}$, convert the real length into centimeters.$8\ \mathrm{m} = 8 \times 100\ \mathrm{cm} = 800\ \mathrm{cm}$.The diagram length is $4\ \mathrm{cm}$.Therefore, the scale is written as:$4\ \mathrm{cm} : 800\ \mathrm{cm}$.Divide both terms by $4$ to simplify.$4 \div 4 = 1$ and $800 \div 4 = 200$.So the scale becomes $1:200$.Answer:The scale of the diagram is $1:200$, which is Option A.