In Model Trains, O Scale Means the Models Are Made

Essay

In model trains, O scale means the models are made using a 1:48 scale. In the U.S., real train tracks have rails that are 4 ft 8 in apart.
a. If miniature train track was made using O scale, how far apart should the rails be? Round to the nearest hundredth of an inch.
b. The word gauge refers to how far apart the model rails are. For some reason, O gauge track does not exactly use O scale, and O gauge rails are 1.25 inches apart. Find the relative difference of the rail spacing on O gauge track compared to what it should be if it followed O scale. Round to the nearest tenth of a percent.