What is a better deal, a one gallon gasoline for $2.89 or one liter of gasoline for $0.75?
The correct answer and explanation is :
To determine which is the better deal, we need to compare the price per unit of gasoline. Since one gallon is approximately 3.78541 liters, we will calculate the price per liter in the first scenario.
Step 1: Calculate the price per liter for one gallon of gasoline
- Given: 1 gallon = $2.89
- Conversion: 1 gallon = 3.78541 liters
- Price per liter:
[
\frac{\$2.89}{3.78541} \approx 0.764 \text{ per liter}
]
Step 2: Compare with the price of one liter of gasoline
- Given: 1 liter = $0.75
Step 3: Determine which is cheaper
- Price per liter from the gallon price: $0.764
- Given price per liter: $0.75
Since $0.75 per liter is cheaper than $0.764 per liter, the better deal is buying gasoline by the liter.
Explanation (300 words)
To determine the better deal, we compared the price of gasoline per liter for each option. Since gasoline is sold in two different units (gallons and liters), we converted one gallon to liters to compare both prices on the same scale.
First, we used the conversion factor 1 gallon = 3.78541 liters to calculate the price per liter for the gallon option. By dividing $2.89 by 3.78541 liters, we found that the cost per liter was approximately $0.764.
Next, we compared this to the direct price of $0.75 per liter offered in the second option. Since $0.75 per liter is lower than $0.764 per liter, the liter-based purchase provides more value for money.
Although the difference may seem small, it accumulates over larger purchases. For example, if you buy 10 gallons (37.85 liters), the first option costs about $28.90, while buying the same amount in liters at $0.75 per liter costs $28.39. Over time, these small savings can add up.
In conclusion, purchasing gasoline by the liter at $0.75 per liter is the better deal because it provides a lower cost per unit compared to the gallon price.