Let's go through each part of the question and create the formulas for cells C1, C2, and C3.

Given:

• Starting odometer reading in $A1$
• Ending odometer reading in $A2$
• Fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (mpg) in $A3$
• Duration of trip in hours in $A4$
• Gas price per gallon in $A5$

Part a: Speed of the car for the trip in cell C1

To calculate speed, we need the distance traveled divided by the duration of the trip.

Formula for C1: $= \frac{A2 - A1}{A4}$ Explanation:

• $A2 - A1$ gives the distance traveled.
• Dividing this by $A4$ (duration in hours) provides the speed in miles per hour.

Part b: Number of gallons of gas used in cell C2

To calculate the gallons used, divide the distance traveled by the fuel efficiency (mpg).

Formula for C2: $= \frac{A2 - A1}{A3}$ Explanation:

• $A2 - A1$ gives the distance traveled.
• Dividing by $A3$ (mpg) calculates the number of gallons used.

Part c: Total cost of gas for the trip in cell C3

To find the total cost, multiply the gallons of gas used by the price per gallon.

Formula for C3: $= C2 \times A5$ Explanation:

• $C2$ represents the gallons of gas used.
• Multiplying by $A5$ (price per gallon) gives the total cost for the gas.

Would you like further details on any specific part of the formulas?

Here are some related questions that might deepen your understanding:

1. How would you modify these formulas if the fuel efficiency varied throughout the trip?
2. What formula could calculate the total miles covered if you only knew the speed and duration?
3. How could you calculate the fuel efficiency if you only had the starting and ending odometer, the amount of gas used, and the price per gallon?
4. If the gas price fluctuated during the trip, how might you account for this in the cost calculation?
5. How could this spreadsheet be adjusted to calculate average speed over multiple trips?

Tip: When creating formulas, ensure that you reference cells correctly to avoid errors, especially if you plan to copy the formula to other cells.