Final answer:
By setting up a proportion using the map scale of 2 cm : 1 km and the actual distance of 21 km, it is determined that the distance on the map should be 42 centimeters.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the distance on a map using proportions, we compare the scale of the map with the actual distance. The scale given is 2 cm : 1 km, and the actual distance between Brisbane and Marion is 21 km.
To set up the proportion, we write it as follows:
[Scale on map] / [Scale ratio] = [Map Distance] / [Actual Distance]
So, we have:
2 cm / 1 km = x cm / 21 km
Cross multiply to solve for x:
1 km * x cm = 2 cm * 21 km
x = (2 cm * 21 km) / 1 km
x = 42 cm
Therefore, the distance between Brisbane and Marion on the map should be 42 centimeters.