What are the three methods of indicating scale on maps?

The three methods of indicating scale on a map are a verbal scale, a graphical scale, and a representative fraction. A verbal scale uses a statement such as “1 inch represents 1 mile” to describe the scale of the map. A graphical scale uses a scale bar, which is a line with labeled segments representing a certain amount of distance. A representative fraction is a fractional statement such as 1/4 inch equals 1 mile, which describes the ratio of distances on the map compared to distances in real world units.