How Do You Calculate Miles Per Gallon?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jangoom
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Car Per
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating miles per gallon (MPG) based on a specific example where a car travels 260 miles using 8.2 gallons of fuel. The focus is on the mathematical reasoning involved in solving for MPG, including the setup of the equation and the steps to arrive at the answer.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to calculate MPG, indicating a lack of recent practice with the concept.
  • Another participant sets up the equation 8.2 * x = 260 to represent the relationship between gallons used and miles traveled.
  • A subsequent reply provides the solution by dividing both sides of the equation by 8.2, resulting in x = 31.707, rounded to three decimal places.
  • One participant expresses surprise at the simplicity of the calculation and thanks others for their assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present any significant disagreement, as participants work collaboratively to clarify the calculation process.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate uncertainty about their mathematical skills, which may affect their confidence in solving similar problems independently.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking assistance with basic arithmetic and problem-solving related to fuel efficiency calculations.

jangoom
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Yeah, I can't seem to figure this out.. school sucks.

If your car travels 260 miles and uses 8.2 gallons, how many miles per gallon did you get? (Round your answer to three decimal places.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Re: If your car travels 260 miles and uses 8.2 gallons, how many miles per gallon did you get? (Roun

Let x be the amount of miles per gallon. Then 8.2 * x = 260. Can you solve for x?
 
Re: If your car travels 260 miles and uses 8.2 gallons, how many miles per gallon did you get? (Roun

No I don't know how... it's been years.
 
Re: If your car travels 260 miles and uses 8.2 gallons, how many miles per gallon did you get? (Roun

8.2 * x = 260

Divide both sides by 8.2:

x = 260/8.2 is 31.707 to 3 decimal places.

Do you understand?
 
WHAAAT it's that simple? Oh God. Thanks for your help and patience.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
19K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
9K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K