Question

What data would you need to estimate the money you would spend on gasoline to drive your car from New York to Chicago? Provide estimates of values and a sample calculation.

Short answer

To estimate the money spent on gasoline for a car trip from New York to Chicago, you need to know the distance between the two cities (approximately 800 miles), the fuel efficiency of the car (e.g., 30 miles per gallon), and the average cost of gasoline along the route (e.g., $3 per gallon). Using these values, first calculate the total amount of fuel needed by dividing the total miles driven by the fuel efficiency (800/30 = 26.67 gallons, round up to 27 gallons). Then, multiply the total fuel needed by the average cost of gasoline to find the money spent on gasoline (27 * 3 = $81).

Step-by-step solution

Determine the distance between New York and Chicago

To calculate the distance between New York and Chicago, use an online resource, such as Google Maps. For the purpose of this exercise, we'll use the distance provided by Google Maps. The distance between New York and Chicago is approximately 800 miles.

Determine the car's fuel efficiency

The fuel efficiency of the car can be found in the car's manual, or by looking it up online. Fuel efficiency is usually measured in miles per gallon (MPG). For this exercise, let's use a hypothetical car with a fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon.

Determine the average cost of gasoline along the route

To estimate the average cost of gasoline for the trip, we can look up the average gas prices in both cities and the states between them. The best way to find current gas prices is to check websites that provide real-time updates on gas prices like GasBuddy.com. For this exercise, we assume the average cost of gasoline along the route is $3 per gallon.

Calculate the total amount of fuel needed

Use the formula: total fuel needed = total miles driven / fuel efficiency. In our case, total miles driven = 800 miles, and fuel efficiency = 30 miles per gallon. Total fuel needed = \( \frac{800}{30} = 26.67 \) gallons. Round up to account for any inaccuracy in estimates: 27 gallons.

Calculate the money spent on gasoline

Use the formula: money spent on gasoline = total fuel needed * average cost of gasoline. In our case, total fuel needed = 27 gallons, and the average cost of gasoline = $3 per gallon. Money spent on gasoline = \( 27 * 3 = $81 \).