Converting to Decimal Form

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 91 views

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 mathematical formulas.

Calculating Gas Mileage

To calculate the gas mileage of a vehicle, we need to know the distance it can travel on a specific amount of fuel. 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 find the gas mileage, we can use the following formula:

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. Plugging these values into the formula, we get:

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

To simplify this expression, we can convert the mixed number to an improper fraction:

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

Now we can rewrite the expression as:

Gas Mileage = $\frac{7}{2}$ miles / $\frac{1}{3}$ gallon

To divide fractions, we can multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator:

Gas Mileage = $\frac{7}{2}$ x $\frac{3}{1}$

Gas Mileage = $\frac{21}{2}$

So, the gas mileage of the camper is $\frac{21}{2}$ miles per gallon.

Converting to Decimal Form

To make the gas mileage easier to understand, we can convert it to decimal form. To do this, we can divide the numerator by the denominator:

Gas Mileage = $\frac{21}{2}$ = 10.5

Therefore, the gas mileage of the camper is 10.5 miles per gallon.

Real-World Applications

Understanding gas mileage is important in many real-world situations. For example, when purchasing a vehicle, it's essential to consider the gas mileage to determine how much fuel it will consume and how much it will cost to operate. Additionally, when renting a vehicle, such as a camper, it's crucial to know the gas mileage to estimate fuel costs and plan for the trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gas mileage is an essential factor to consider when purchasing or renting a vehicle. By understanding how to calculate gas mileage using mathematical formulas, we can make informed decisions about our transportation needs. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world, knowing the gas mileage of your vehicle can help you plan for the future and make the most of your travels.

Additional Resources

For more information on gas mileage and how to calculate it, check out the following resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is gas mileage? A: Gas mileage is a measure of a vehicle's ability to travel a certain distance using a specific amount of fuel.

Q: How do I calculate gas mileage? A: To calculate gas mileage, you need to know the distance a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel. You can use the formula: Gas Mileage = Distance / Fuel Consumption.

Q: What is the gas mileage of the camper? A: The gas mileage of the camper is $\frac{21}{2}$ miles per gallon, or 10.5 miles per gallon in decimal form.

Q: Why is understanding gas mileage important? A: Understanding gas mileage is essential in many real-world situations, such as purchasing a vehicle, renting a vehicle, and planning for trips.