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In this activity, we will learn how to use direct proportion to work out problems.

 

family with a car



Example 1

A car uses petrol at the rate of 1 gallon for every 30 miles travelled (30 mpg)

How many gallons will it take to travel 177 miles?

 

Answer

1 gallon = 30 miles
30 miles = 1 gallon
1 mile = 1/30 gallon
177 miles = 1/30 × 177 = 177 ÷ 30 = 5.9 gallons

  

Example 2

How many miles can it travel on 5.9 gallons?

 

Answer

1 gallon = 30 miles
5.9 gallons = 30 × 5.9 = 177 miles

 

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