A rocket test model burns fuel at a constant rate. It uses 2 2/5 gallons of fuel every 3/10 of a minute. How many gallons of fuel will it burn in 1 1/2 ?
Answer: 12 gallons
Step-by-step solution
Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions
First, we convert all given mixed numbers into improper fractions. The fuel burned is gallons, and the total time is minutes.
Step 2: Find the fuel consumption rate per minute
To find the rate per unit minute, divide the fuel used, gallons, by the time taken, minute. Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal, which gives gallons per minute.
Step 3: Calculate fuel burned in the given time
Multiply the burning rate of gallons per minute by the total time of minutes. We have gallons.