A logistics company is optimizing its delivery routes. They have collected data on the average travel time (in minutes) and the average fuel consumption (in liters) for four different route segments: R1, R2, R3, and R4. The goal is to identify the most 'efficient' route segment, defined as the one with the lowest combined cost of time and fuel. Each minute of travel time costs $0.50, and each liter of fuel costs $1.20. | Route Segment | Avg Travel Time (min) | Avg Fuel Consumption (L) | |---|---|---| | R1 | 20 | 5 | | R2 | 15 | 8 | | R3 | 25 | 4 | | R4 | 18 | 6 | Which route segment is the most efficient?

Correct answer: C. R1

Calculate the total cost for each route segment. Cost = (Avg Travel Time * $0.50) + (Avg Fuel Consumption * $1.20). R1: (20 * 0.50) + (5 * 1.20) = 10 + 6 = $16.00. R2: (15 * 0.50) + (8 * 1.20) = 7.5 + 9.6 = $17.10. R3: (25 * 0.50) + (4 * 1.20) = 12.5 + 4.8 = $17.30. R4: (18 * 0.50) + (6 * 1.20) = 9 + 7.2 = $16.20. The question asks for the lowest combined cost, which is $16.00 for R1. Wait, let me re-calculate, R3 has a cost of $17.30. R1 has the lowest at $16.00. Oh, I made a mistake in calculation. R1: (20 * 0.50) + (5 * 1.20) = 10 + 6 = $16.00. R2: (15 * 0.50) + (8 * 1.20) = 7.5 + 9.6 = $17.10. R3: (25 * 0.50) + (4 * 1.20) = 12.5 + 4.8 = $17.30. R4: (18 * 0.50) + (6 * 1.20) = 9 + 7.2 = $16.20. R1 is the most efficient. My initial answer was C, but the calculation shows A is correct. Let me re-evaluate the question and my options to ensure no errors. The question asks for the lowest combined cost. R1 is $16.00. R2 is $17.10. R3 is $17.30. R4 is $16.20. So R1 is indeed the most efficient. The correct answer should be A. I will correct the answer key to A.