Simplifying the Gas Mileage

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 125 views

What is Gas Mileage?

Gas mileage, also known as fuel efficiency, is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing or renting a vehicle, especially for long trips or frequent travel. It refers to the rate at which a car can travel on a single gallon of gas. In simple terms, it's a measure of how far a car can go on a tank of fuel. Understanding gas mileage is essential for making informed decisions about vehicle purchases, rental options, and even daily driving habits.

Calculating Gas Mileage

To calculate gas mileage, we need to know the distance a car can travel on a single gallon of gas. This can be expressed as miles per gallon (mpg). The formula for calculating gas mileage is:

Gas Mileage (mpg) = Total Distance / Total Fuel Consumption

For example, if a car can travel 300 miles on 15 gallons of gas, its gas mileage would be:

Gas Mileage (mpg) = 300 miles / 15 gallons = 20 mpg

Kara's Family and the Camper Rental

Kara's family is considering renting a camper that can travel $3\frac{1}{2}$ miles on $\frac{1}{3}$ gallon of gas. To determine the gas mileage of this camper, we need to use the formula mentioned earlier. However, we need to convert the mixed number $3\frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction. This can be done by multiplying the whole number part (3) by the denominator (2) and then adding the numerator (1):

$3\frac{1}{2}$ = $\frac{(3 \times 2) + 1}{2}$ = $\frac{7}{2}$

Now that we have the distance in improper fraction form, we can plug in the values into the formula:

Gas Mileage (mpg) = Total Distance / Total Fuel Consumption = $\frac{7}{2}$ miles / $\frac{1}{3}$ gallon = $\frac{7}{2}$ × $\frac{3}{1}$ / $\frac{1}{3}$ = $\frac{21}{2}$ / $\frac{1}{3}$ = $\frac{21}{2}$ × $\frac{3}{1}$ = $\frac{63}{2}$

Simplifying the Gas Mileage

To simplify the gas mileage, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). In this case, the GCD of 63 and 2 is 1. Therefore, the gas mileage of the camper is:

Gas Mileage (mpg) = $\frac{63}{2}$ = 31.5 mpg

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding gas mileage is crucial for making informed decisions about vehicle purchases, rental options, and daily driving habits. By using the formula for calculating gas mileage, we can determine the rate at which a car can travel on a single gallon of gas. In the case of Kara's family and the camper rental, the gas mileage of the camper is 31.5 mpg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gas mileage? Gas mileage, also known as fuel efficiency, is a measure of how far a car can go on a tank of fuel.
How is gas mileage calculated? Gas mileage is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total fuel consumption.
What is the formula for calculating gas mileage? The formula for calculating gas mileage is: Gas Mileage (mpg) = Total Distance / Total Fuel Consumption
How do I determine the gas mileage of a vehicle? To determine the gas mileage of a vehicle, you need to know the distance it can travel on a single gallon of gas.

Additional Resources

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[3] Kelley Blue Book (KBB). (2022). Fuel Economy.

References

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[3] Kelley Blue Book (KBB). (2022). Fuel Economy.

Note: The references provided are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is gas mileage?

A: Gas mileage, also known as fuel efficiency, is a measure of how far a car can go on a tank of fuel.

Q: How is gas mileage calculated?

A: Gas mileage is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total fuel consumption.

Q: What is the formula for calculating gas mileage?

A: The formula for calculating gas mileage is: Gas Mileage (mpg) = Total Distance / Total Fuel Consumption

Q: How do I determine the gas mileage of a vehicle?

A: To determine the gas mileage of a vehicle, you need to know the distance it can travel on a single gallon of gas.

Q: What is the difference between gas mileage and fuel efficiency?

A: Gas mileage and fuel efficiency are often used interchangeably, but they refer to the same thing: the rate at which a car can travel on a single gallon of gas. Fuel efficiency, however, can also refer to the car's ability to use less fuel to achieve the same distance.

Q: How can I improve my car's gas mileage?

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

Regularly maintaining your car's engine and tires
Driving at moderate speeds and avoiding rapid acceleration
Removing extra weight from your car
Using the correct type of fuel for your car
Avoiding idling for extended periods of time

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

A: The average gas mileage of 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 of a car is around 25 miles per gallon (mpg).

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

A: Yes, you can use a gas mileage calculator to estimate your car's gas mileage. These calculators typically ask for information such as the distance traveled, fuel consumption, and other factors to provide an estimate of your car's gas mileage.

Q: How often should I check my car's gas mileage?

A: It's a good idea to check your car's gas mileage regularly to ensure that it's running efficiently and to identify any potential issues. You can check your car's gas mileage by using a gas mileage calculator or by keeping track of your fuel consumption and distance traveled.

Q: Can I use a gas mileage app to track my car's gas mileage?

A: Yes, there are several gas mileage apps available that can help you track your car's gas mileage. These apps typically allow you to input information such as fuel consumption, distance traveled, and other factors to provide an estimate of your car's gas mileage.

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 fuel consumption and distance traveled
Not using the correct formula for calculating gas mileage
Not considering factors such as driving conditions and vehicle type
Not regularly maintaining your car's engine and tires

Additional Resources

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[3] Kelley Blue Book (KBB). (2022). Fuel Economy.

References

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Fuel Economy.
[3] Kelley Blue Book (KBB). (2022). Fuel Economy.

Note: The references provided are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice.