On a 1287 mile long road trip in windy conditions, a family calculates their fue

Question

On a 1287 mile long road trip in windy conditions, a family calculates their fuel economy to be 18 miles per gallon over the 2 days it takes to reach their destination. On their 2-day return trip, with a similar wind at their backs, their calculations show a fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon. Calculate the expected fuel economy of their vehicle in ideal (non-windy) conditions (f) as well as the influence of the wind (w) in miles per gallon. Compare how many gallons of fuel they used for the round trip to the expected usage in ideal (non-windy) travel conditions. Which uses more? By how many gallons? Round to the nearest hundredth, if necessary.

Explanation / Answer

The information provided showed one trip with an average mileage of 18mpg, and a second trip with an average mileage of 26 mpg.

17. Since we have only this information, the "expected fuel economy" would be half the difference between the two mileages, which is 4 mpg added to 18 mpg for 22 mpg.

The influence of the wind is -8 mpg.

18. The fuel consumption on the first trip was 1287 miles ÷ 18 mpg = 71.5 gallons. The fuel consumption on the second trip was 1287 miles ÷ 26 mpg = 49.5 gallons.

Driving against the wind required more.

It uses 22 gallons more.

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