GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with Rational NumbersMedium

A car travels 324 miles on 12 gallons of gasoline. At this rate, how many miles can the car travel on 7 gallons of gasoline?

  1. A189 miles
  2. B270 miles
  3. C216 miles
  4. D243 miles
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. 189 miles

First, find the car's miles per gallon (MPG): 324 miles / 12 gallons = 27 MPG. Then, multiply the MPG by the new amount of gasoline: 27 MPG * 7 gallons = 189 miles.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. This is incorrect; it might be a miscalculation of the rate or the final product.
  • C. This is incorrect; it might be a miscalculation of the rate or the final product.
  • D. This is incorrect; it might be a miscalculation of the rate or the final product.

Unit Rate and Proportionality

A unit rate expresses how much of one quantity there is per one unit of another quantity. Proportionality means that two quantities have a constant ratio.

  • Unit Rate = Total Quantity / Total Units.
  • Can be used to scale quantities up or down.
  • Often involves division to find the rate, then multiplication to scale.

Memory trick: Rate first, then multiply, for how far or how much, don't be shy.

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