Question

A car got 33 miles per gallon using gasoline that cost $2.95 per gallon. Approximately what was the cost, in dollars, of the gasoline used in driving the car 350 miles?

• A. $10
• B. $20
• C. $30
• D. $40
• E. $50

Hint:

When a question asks for an approximation and the answer choices are spread out, rounding the given numbers to the nearest whole number or multiple of 10 can simplify calculations significantly without affecting the outcome.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a multi-step problem. First, we need to find the number of gallons of gasoline used. Then, we use that amount to calculate the total cost. Since the question asks for an approximate cost, we can round the numbers to make the calculation easier.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Gallons used = Total miles driven / Miles per gallon
2. Total cost = Gallons used × Cost per gallon
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Approximation:
- Miles per gallon is 33, which is close to 35.
- Cost per gallon is $2.95, which is close to $3.00.
- Total miles driven is 350.
Step 3a: Calculate the approximate gallons used.
\[ \text{Gallons used} \approx \frac{350 \text{ miles}}{33 \text{ miles/gallon}} \] Let's use the exact numbers first to see the scale. \[ \text{Gallons used} = \frac{350}{33} \approx 10.6 \text{ gallons} \] Step 3b: Calculate the approximate total cost.
\[ \text{Total cost} = \text{Gallons used} \times \text{Cost per gallon} \] \[ \text{Total cost} \approx 10.6 \times $2.95 \] To simplify, let's use the rounded values: approximately 10.6 gallons and $3 per gallon.
\[ \text{Approximate Cost} \approx 10.6 \times 3 = $31.8 \] This value is closest to $30.
Alternative Approximation:
Round 33 mpg up to 35 mpg. Gallons needed = 350/35 = 10 gallons.
Round $2.95 up to $3.00. Total cost = 10 gallons * $3/gallon = $30.
This gives a very close estimate.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The calculated approximate cost is around $30-$32. Among the given choices, $30 is the closest answer.