Barrels Per Capita: A Unit Conversion Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around understanding the term "per capita" in the context of calculating the total annual petroleum consumption in the US based on a given per capita figure. The scope includes conceptual clarification and unit conversion related to population and consumption metrics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the term "capita" and seeks clarification on its meaning.
  • Another participant explains that "per capita" means per citizen or person.
  • A third participant elaborates that "per capita" is a Latin phrase meaning "by heads" or per person.
  • A fourth participant prompts the need to know the population of the US to perform the calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definition of "per capita," but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the calculation of total petroleum consumption without knowing the US population.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address the specific population figure needed for the calculation, leaving that aspect unresolved.

Soaring Crane
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If the annual consumption of petroleum in the US is about 23 barrels per capita, the total annual consumption of petroleum in the US is closest to:

1. 12 mill barrels
2. 240 mill barrels
3. 2 billion barrels
4. 6 bill barrels
5. 10 bill barrels

I don't know what is meant by "capita." :confused: Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
 
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per capita=per citizen/person
 
"per capita" is a latin phrase meaning "by heads" or per person.
 
In other words, how many people are there in the US?
 

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