Understanding R.F.

The Representative Fraction (R.F.) is defined as the ratio of map distance to ground distance in the same units. Here, $1$ cm on the map represents $55000$ cm on the ground.

$1 \text{ cm (map)} = 55000 \text{ cm (ground)}$

Converting units to meters

Since $1$ meter is equal to $100$ cm, convert the ground distance from cm to meters by dividing by $100$.

$55000 \text{ cm} = \frac{55000}{100} \text{ m} = 550 \text{ m}$

Final conversion

The scale represents the distance on the ground equivalent to $1$ cm on the map. Based on the calculation above, $1$ cm is equal to $550$ m.

$1 \text{ cm} = 550 \text{ m}$