A detail drawing shows a scale of 1/2" = 1'-0". If a dimension on the drawing measures 3 inches, what is the actual dimension?
Correct Answer
A) 6 feet
With a scale of 1/2" = 1'-0", each 1/2 inch on the drawing represents 1 foot actual. Therefore, 3 inches on the drawing equals 6 feet actual (3 ÷ 0.5 = 6).
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The scale 1/2" = 1'-0" means that every half-inch on the drawing represents one foot in reality. To find the actual dimension, we need to determine how many half-inch increments are in 3 inches (which is 6), then multiply by 1 foot per increment. This gives us 6 feet as the actual dimension.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 3 feet
This answer treats the drawing dimension as if it were the actual dimension without applying any scale conversion, which completely ignores the scale factor.
Option C: 18 inches
This answer assumes a 1:1 ratio where 3 inches on the drawing equals 3 feet actual, but it ignores the specific scale ratio of 1/2" = 1'-0".
Option D: 1.5 feet
This answer results from incorrectly dividing 3 by 2 instead of properly applying the scale ratio, leading to an incorrect conversion.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Half-inch Helper': When you see 1/2" scale, count how many half-inches fit into your measurement, then that number equals the feet in real life.
Reference Hint
Look up architectural drawing scales and scale conversion methods in the construction documents and blueprint reading sections of your reference manual.
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