Algebra Word Problem

Question

If I drove 38.91 miles, and my car gets 22 miles to the gallon, and gas cost $3.699 per gallon, how much did I spend on gas?

I'm sure this is an algebra problem, but I can't think where to put the X to my equation to try and figure this out

Never mind! I can't see how to unpost this, so instead, I'll share what just dawned on me, since I apparently had a case on "brain blank" If 22 miles = 1 gallon, and I drove 38.91 miles, then 38.91 / 22 = 1.769 1.769 x $3.699 per gallon = $6.54 So I spent about $6.54 on gas Thank You All Anyway!
There should be a series of links "share edit close delete flag" at the bottom of the question. The one you want is "delete". Congratulations on solving your own problem!
Kelly, you can write it up as an answer, then later you can accept it, if you want to.

Amzoti · Answer 1 · 2012-09-05 04:16:50Z

I would recommend learning to set up problems in a clear and concise way.

For example:

Distance = D = 38.91 Miles

Gallons per Mile = G = 22 Miles / Gallon

Cost Gas = C = 3.699 Dollars / Gallon

Now, how would you describe in words how to calculate how many Gallons you used?

Knowing that, how would you calculate your total cost?

I know this looks trivial, but trust me, it will be a huge help in the future with easy and much harder problems!

HTH ~A

The nice feature of this approach is that if you pay close and strict attention to units, understanding increases greatly.

1 Answer