We can use this map’s compass rose and scale for the 48 contiguous (Connected) states but not Alaska and Hawaii. Why not? Why are those two states pictured off to the side and in separate boxes?

A US map's compass rose would not apply for Alaska and Hawaii because they are physically detached from the mainland US territories.

Explanation:

The territory of the US is mostly located in one area, bordering Canada in the north, Mexico, and the Gulf of Mexico in the south, Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Atlantic ocean on the east. And while this is the case for the majority of the territory or rather federal states, there are two that are located elsewhere. These two territories are actually not physically connected to the rest of the US territory.

The two territories in question are Alaska and Hawaii. Alaska is located in the northwest of Canada, so putting it on a map as it is will require including Canada as well, and that is not practical at all. Hawaii, on the other hand, is a chain of islands in the central part of the Pacific, and in order for it to be put on a map as it is will require including at least a quarter of the largest ocean in the world, which again would make much more problems than help in anything.

ask an adult bc this is too hardcore