WORKING OUT THE SCALES....

I posted this a while ago:


I'm not sure where to post this but I wanted to clear up a misconception I've seen in several posts concerning ship's scale. I've seen this post:
"If plans are 1/48 scale (1/4") enlarge by 200% to get 1/24 scale (1/2"). Enlarge by 150% to get 1/36 scale (3/8")."
While this seems logical, it is actually mathematically incorrect! 3/8" = 1' is actually 1/32 scale, not 1/36!
There is a formula to calculate scale:

Equation: X x Y = 12
scale = 1 / X, where Y = fraction of an inch equal to one foot.

Example: If 3/8" = 1', then Y = 3/8
3/8 X = 12
X = 32 Scale = 1/32

This works for integers too. 3" = 1' is 1/4 scale.

2" = 1' is 1/6 scale.
I became lost as to where and how 32 pops us for X. Was it a trial assumption or from a known base? Just wondering as math is not my strong side. PT-2
 
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