a distance of 130.16 miles per 5 gallons of gas another driver travels 60 miles at the same miles per gallon the second day, what would be the best estimate of the number of gallons of gas used?

Answer 1

If you are asking how many gallons are used by the 2nd driver, then the following is the answer : (If not, then the following solution is wrong)

Set the ratio up so that the 2 are equal, and then solve

130.16 / 5 = 60 / x

multiply both sides by 5 & x

130.16*x = 60*5 = 300

divide both sides by 130.16

x (# of gallons used by 2nd driver) = 2.305 gallon

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Always Check your work!! in this case, try a different method to solve the problem and see if you get the same answer!

1st drivers MPG = 130.16 miles / 5 gallons = 26.032 MPG

2nd driver drove 60 miles

60 miles / (26.032 miles / 1 gallon) = 2.305 gallon (units of miles cancel and leaves you with the units of gallons)

I hope this helps