Using a spreadsheet analysis, plot the annual cost of fuel for the vehicle in Example 6.4 as the cost of gasoline ranges from $1.00 to $10.00 per gallon.

Example 6.4

The cost of fuel is rising and you want to calculate the cost of one year’s fuel if the price is $6.00 per gallon and you drive 12,000 miles per year. If you are thinking of buying a 2,750 lbf weight conventionally powered vehicle, how much is the projected cost of fuel?

Need: Cost of fuel for 12,000 mile, 2,750 lbf vehicle = __?

Know: Relation between weight and mpg: MPG = 67400/lbf – 2.

How: $/year = (gallons/mile) × (miles/year) × ($/gallon)