A Car's Gas Mileage Refers To Its Rate In Miles Traveled Per Gallon Of Gas. Kara's Family Is Thinking About Renting A Camper That Can Travel $3 \frac{1}{2}$ Miles On $\frac{1}{3}$ Gallon Of Gas. Kara Wants To Know The Gas Mileage Of

What is Gas Mileage?

Gas mileage, also known as fuel efficiency, is a measure of a vehicle's ability to travel a certain distance using a specific amount of fuel. It is typically expressed in miles per gallon (mpg) and is an important factor to consider when purchasing or renting a vehicle, especially for long trips or frequent travel. In this article, we will explore the concept of gas mileage and how to calculate it using a real-world example.

Calculating Gas Mileage

To calculate the gas mileage of a vehicle, we need to know the distance it can travel on a single gallon of fuel. This can be expressed as a ratio of miles to gallons. For example, if a vehicle can travel 25 miles on a single gallon of fuel, its gas mileage would be 25 mpg.

In the case of Kara's family, they are considering renting a camper that can travel $3 \frac{1}{2}$ miles on $\frac{1}{3}$ gallon of gas. To calculate the gas mileage of this camper, we need to divide the distance it can travel by the amount of fuel it consumes.

Mathematical Formula

The mathematical formula to calculate gas mileage is:

Gas Mileage = Distance / Fuel Consumption

In this case, the distance is $3 \frac{1}{2}$ miles and the fuel consumption is $\frac{1}{3}$ gallon. To calculate the gas mileage, we need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.

Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, we need to multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator.

In this case, the mixed number is $3 \frac{1}{2}$. To convert it to an improper fraction, we need to multiply the whole number by the denominator (2) and add the numerator (1).

$3 \times 2 = 6$ $6 + 1 = 7$

So, the improper fraction equivalent of $3 \frac{1}{2}$ is $\frac{7}{2}$.

Calculating Gas Mileage

Now that we have converted the mixed number to an improper fraction, we can calculate the gas mileage using the formula:

Gas Mileage = Distance / Fuel Consumption

In this case, the distance is $\frac{7}{2}$ miles and the fuel consumption is $\frac{1}{3}$ gallon. To calculate the gas mileage, we need to divide the distance by the fuel consumption.

Dividing Fractions

To divide fractions, we need to invert the second fraction and multiply.

$\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{d}{c}$

In this case, we need to invert the second fraction ($\frac{1}{3}$) and multiply.

$\frac{7}{2} \div \frac{1}{3} = \frac{7}{2} \times \frac{3}{1}$

Multiplying Fractions

To multiply fractions, we need to multiply the numerators and denominators separately.

$\frac{a}{b} \times \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ac}{bd}$

In this case, we need to multiply the numerators (7 and 3) and denominators (2 and 1) separately.

$7 \times 3 = 21$ $2 \times 1 = 2$

So, the product of the fractions is $\frac{21}{2}$.

Calculating Gas Mileage

Now that we have multiplied the fractions, we can calculate the gas mileage.

Gas Mileage = $\frac{21}{2}$ miles / $\frac{1}{3}$ gallon

To calculate the gas mileage, we need to divide the numerator by the denominator.

Dividing by a Fraction

To divide by a fraction, we need to invert the fraction and multiply.

$\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{d}{c}$

In this case, we need to invert the fraction ($\frac{1}{3}$) and multiply.

$\frac{21}{2} \div \frac{1}{3} = \frac{21}{2} \times \frac{3}{1}$

Multiplying by a Whole Number

To multiply by a whole number, we need to multiply the numerator by the whole number.

$\frac{a}{b} \times c = \frac{ac}{b}$

In this case, we need to multiply the numerator (21) by the whole number (3).

$21 \times 3 = 63$

So, the product of the fractions is $\frac{63}{2}$.

Calculating Gas Mileage

Now that we have multiplied the fractions, we can calculate the gas mileage.

Gas Mileage = $\frac{63}{2}$ miles / 1 gallon

To calculate the gas mileage, we need to divide the numerator by the denominator.

Final Answer

The final answer is $\frac{63}{2}$ or 31.5 miles per gallon.

Conclusion

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Q: What is gas mileage?

A: Gas mileage, also known as fuel efficiency, is a measure of a vehicle's ability to travel a certain distance using a specific amount of fuel. It is typically expressed in miles per gallon (mpg) and is an important factor to consider when purchasing or renting a vehicle, especially for long trips or frequent travel.

Q: How is gas mileage calculated?

A: Gas mileage is calculated by dividing the distance a vehicle can travel by the amount of fuel it consumes. The formula is: Gas Mileage = Distance / Fuel Consumption.

Q: What is the difference between miles per gallon (mpg) and kilometers per liter (km/L)?

A: Miles per gallon (mpg) is a unit of measurement used in the United States and other countries to express fuel efficiency, while kilometers per liter (km/L) is a unit of measurement used in many other countries. To convert mpg to km/L, you can use the following formula: km/L = (mpg x 3.785) / 100.

Q: How can I improve my gas mileage?

A: There are several ways to improve your gas mileage, including:

• Maintaining your vehicle regularly, including oil changes and tire rotations
• Driving at moderate speeds and avoiding rapid acceleration
• Removing extra weight from your vehicle
• Using the correct type of fuel for your vehicle
• Avoiding idling for extended periods of time

Q: What is the average gas mileage for a car?

A: The average gas mileage for a car varies depending on the type of vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors. However, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average gas mileage for a car is around 25 miles per gallon (mpg).

Q: Can I calculate my gas mileage using a gas mileage calculator?

A: Yes, you can calculate your gas mileage using a gas mileage calculator. These calculators can be found online or in mobile apps and can help you estimate your gas mileage based on your vehicle's make, model, and year, as well as your driving habits and conditions.

Q: How often should I check my gas mileage?

A: It's a good idea to check your gas mileage regularly, especially if you're trying to improve your fuel efficiency. You can check your gas mileage by tracking your fuel consumption and distance traveled over a set period of time, such as a week or a month.

Q: Can I use a gas mileage tracker to monitor my fuel efficiency?

A: Yes, you can use a gas mileage tracker to monitor your fuel efficiency. These trackers can be found online or in mobile apps and can help you track your fuel consumption and distance traveled over time.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating gas mileage?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when calculating gas mileage include:

• Not accounting for factors such as temperature, humidity, and road conditions
• Not using the correct type of fuel for your vehicle
• Not maintaining your vehicle regularly
• Not tracking your fuel consumption and distance traveled accurately

Q: Can I calculate my gas mileage using a spreadsheet?

A: Yes, you can calculate your gas mileage using a spreadsheet. You can create a spreadsheet to track your fuel consumption and distance traveled over time, and then use formulas to calculate your gas mileage.

Q: How can I use my gas mileage to make informed decisions about my vehicle?

A: You can use your gas mileage to make informed decisions about your vehicle by considering factors such as:

• The cost of fuel and maintenance
• The environmental impact of your vehicle
• The resale value of your vehicle
• The overall performance and reliability of your vehicle

Q: Can I use my gas mileage to compare different vehicles?

A: Yes, you can use your gas mileage to compare different vehicles. By comparing the gas mileage of different vehicles, you can make informed decisions about which vehicle is the most fuel-efficient and cost-effective for your needs.