Calculating Car Distance on Various Fuel Amounts: A Simple Method

Understanding the relationship between fuel consumption and distance traveled is crucial for efficient vehicle management and cost-saving. In this article, we explore how to determine the distance a car can travel based on the amount of petrol it has. We will walk through a practical example, demonstrating a straightforward approach that does not require advanced mathematical knowledge.

Introduction to Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency, also known as fuel economy, is the measure of how far a vehicle can travel on a standard amount of fuel, typically expressed in kilometers per liter (km/l). By calculating fuel efficiency, we can easily determine how far a car can travel with any given amount of petrol.

Example Calculation: 320 km on 20 Liters of Petrol

Suppose a car travels 320 kilometers on 20 liters of petrol. We want to determine how far the car would travel on 32 liters of petrol.

Step 1: Calculate Fuel Efficiency

To start, we need to calculate the car's fuel efficiency in kilometers per liter. This can be done using the following formula:

Fuel efficiency (km/l) Distance (km) / Fuel used (liters)

Substituting the given values:

Fuel efficiency 320 km / 20 liters 16 km/l

Step 2: Calculate Distance for 32 Liters of Petrol

Now that we know the car's fuel efficiency is 16 km/l, we can calculate how far it would travel on 32 liters of petrol using the formula:

Distance (km) Fuel efficiency (km/l) x Fuel used (liters)

Substituting the values:

Distance 16 km/l x 32 liters 512 km

Therefore, the car would travel a distance of 512 kilometers on 32 liters of petrol.

Alternative Method Using Cross Multiplication

While the standard method involves calculating fuel efficiency and then using that to determine the distance, another way to solve this problem is through cross multiplication. Here is how it works:

20 liters 320 km

32 liters x km

x (320 km x 32 liters) / 20 liters 512 km

This approach also arrives at the same distance of 512 kilometers for 32 liters of petrol.

Simplifying the Process

Understanding the relationship between fuel and distance does not require advanced mathematical skills. Here is how you can break it down:

Find out how many kilometers you can travel on 1 liter of petrol by dividing the distance traveled by the amount of petrol used (320 km / 20 liters 16 km/l). Multiply the fuel efficiency (16 km/l) by the amount of petrol you have (32 liters).

This multiplies to 512 km, confirming the distance you can travel.

Conclusion

Knowing how to calculate car distance on various fuel amounts is an essential skill for both practical and educational purposes. Whether using cross multiplication or basic division and multiplication, the process is simple and accessible. This knowledge can help drivers manage their petrol consumption more efficiently and make informed decisions about their driving habits.

So, the next time you want to determine how far your car can travel on a given amount of petrol, simply use the methods demonstrated here to calculate it with ease.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the concept of fuel efficiency (km/l). Use the formula: Distance Fuel efficiency x Fuel used. Use cross multiplication for an alternative method if preferred.