On a map, 1 inch represents 5 miles. If a certain state is represented on a map by a rectangle 10 inches by 7.2 inches, what is the area of the state in square miles? A) \( 360 \mathrm{mi}^{2} \) B) \( 720 \mathrm{mi}^{2} \) C) \( 1,080 \mathrm{mi}^{2} \) D) \( 1,800 \mathrm{mi}^{2} \)

To find the area of the state in square miles, you first calculate the area of the rectangle on the map in square inches, and then convert that to square miles. The area in square inches is: \[ \text{Area} = \text{length} \times \text{width} = 10 \, \text{inches} \times 7.2 \, \text{inches} = 72 \, \text{square inches} \] Next, since 1 inch represents 5 miles, the area in square miles can be found by converting square inches to square miles: \[ \text{Area in square miles} = 72 \, \text{square inches} \times (5 \, \text{miles/inch})^2 \] \[ = 72 \times 25 = 1,800 \, \text{square miles} \] So the answer is D) \( 1,800 \mathrm{mi}^2 \).