Step 1: Understand the terms 'image distance' and 'object distance'. The image distance (v) is how far the image is from the lens, and the object distance (u) is how far the object is from the lens.
Step 2: Recognize that when the image distance is equal to the object distance, we can say v = u.
Step 3: Use the formula for magnification, which is m = v/u.
Step 4: Substitute v with u in the magnification formula: m = u/u.
Step 5: Simplify the equation: m = 1.
Step 6: Conclude that when the image distance equals the object distance, the magnification is 1.
