To calculate the cost of operating the car, we can use the relationship given in the original problem. The cost depends on the gas price per gallon and the distance driven.

Given:

• Gas price: $2.89 per gallon
• Distance: 300 miles

From the original problem, we know that the cost function is: $C(\text{distance}, \text{gas price}) = \text{total cost}$

To solve for the total cost: $C(300, 2.89) = \text{Total Cost}$

Assumption:

Since the relationship between cost, distance, and gas price is likely linear, we can express the cost as: $\text{Total Cost} = \text{distance} \times \text{gas price per gallon}$

Substituting the given values: $\text{Total Cost} = 300 \times 2.89$

Let's calculate that:

$\text{Total Cost} = 300 \times 2.89 = 867$

Therefore, the total cost to operate the car for 300 miles at $2.89 per gallon is $867.