Problem 54 - Basic College Mathematics

Question

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor \(4 \times 4\) SuperCab gets \(18 \mathrm{mpg}\) in highway driving. How many gallons will it use in \(774 \mathrm{mi}\) of highway driving?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

43 gallons

Step 1 - Understand the Problem

We need to find how many gallons of fuel the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor uses for a 774-mile highway drive, given that it gets 18 miles per gallon (mpg).

Step 2 - Identify the Formula

The formula to calculate the number of gallons used is distance divided by miles per gallon: gallons used = \( \frac{distance}{\text{mpg}} \)

Step 3 - Substitute the Values

Substitute the given values into the formula: gallons used = \( \frac{774 \text{ mi}}{18 \text{ mpg}} \)

Step 4 - Perform the Calculation

Calculate the number of gallons: gallons used = \( \frac{774}{18} \approx 43 \) gallons

Key Concepts

miles per gallon (mpg)

Fuel efficiency is often measured in miles per gallon (mpg). This tells us how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. For example, if a truck has a fuel efficiency of 18 mpg, it can drive 18 miles per each gallon of fuel it consumes.

Understanding mpg is essential for calculating how much fuel you will use on a trip. It helps in budget planning for fuel costs and in making eco-friendly choices.

Always check the mpg rating of your vehicle to better understand its fuel efficiency and plan your trips accordingly.

distance calculation

Distance calculation involves determining how far you need to travel. It is usually measured in miles or kilometers.

In our problem, the distance was given as 774 miles. To understand how much fuel you'd need, knowing the total distance of your trip is vital.

For trips of varying distances, simply apply the same principles: know the total miles you need to travel and your vehicle's mpg rating.

division in math

Division is a fundamental arithmetic operation that helps in distributing a quantity into equal parts. It is crucial for solving a variety of real-life problems, including fuel efficiency calculations.

In our example, we used division to find out how many gallons of fuel are necessary for a 774-mile journey with a vehicle that gets 18 mpg. The formula we use is: gallons used = \( \frac{distance}{\text{mpg}} \).

Breaking it down, if you divide 774 by 18, you get approximately 43. This tells you that you will need about 43 gallons of fuel for the trip.

Understanding division thoroughly makes complex problems simpler and helps you in various calculations.