Using the "map scale", imagine you are hiking and using a map with a scale of 1: 24,000. if you plan out a route, measure it and find that it is 10 inches total on the map, what is the actual distance you will walk on that route

After tracing  out your route, pull the string straight and  measure  it against the  scale  line in the  maplegend. another method is  to use  a compass (the mathematical kind) set to a narrow  distance  on themap scale  like mile and then "walk  off"  your route. it is a good idea to be conservative and add 5-10% of the  total distance