A car travels 180 miles using 6 gallons of gasoline. If gasoline costs $3.50 per gallon, what is the cost per mile to drive the car?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:33:08 +0000

**Why This Simple Math Matters—On Gas Cost and Efficiency** Curious about how much it really costs to drive a car a moderate distance using a tank of fuel? If a vehicle travels 180 miles on just 6 gallons of gasoline priced at $3.50 per gallon, understanding the real cost per mile offers insight into smarter travel planning. In today’s economy, where fuel prices fluctuate regularly and consumers balance budgets carefully, knowing how to calculate fuel efficiency and affordability is a practical skill for everyday driving. When reviewing performance metrics like fuel consumption, drivers increasingly focus on context—how many miles per gallon the vehicle achieves, and what that means in dollar terms. With gas prices above pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the U.S., analyzing these numbers helps people make informed decisions about long car trips, daily commutes, and vehicle efficiency. The question A car travels 180 miles using 6 gallons of gasoline. If gasoline costs $3.50 per gallon, what is the cost per mile to drive the car? taps into real-world financial awareness and sustainable driving habits. ### The Fuel Cost Breakdown
Using 6 gallons at $3.50 per gallon totals $21 in fuel for 180 miles. Dividing $21 by 180 miles reveals the cost per mile: approximately $0.117 per mile. This simple calculation demystifies the equation linking driving distance, fuel volume, and price, empowering users to assess travel budgets more precisely.