Question

question 4 of 5
type the correct answer in each box. use numerals instead of words.
micah is keeping track of how much he spends this month on gas. in the first week, he bought x gallons of gas at $2.39 per gallon. in
the second week, he bought 3 fewer gallons of gas than the first week at $2.49 per gallon. so far this month, he has spent a total $46.21
on gas.

in the first week, micah bought □ gallons of gas.

in the second week, micah bought □ gallons of gas.

Explanation:

Step1: Set up the cost equation

The cost for the first week is $2.39x$ (since he bought $x$ gallons at $2.39$ per gallon). The number of gallons in the second week is $x - 3$, so the cost for the second week is $2.49(x - 3)$. The total cost is $46.21$, so we set up the equation: $2.39x + 2.49(x - 3) = 46.21$.

Step2: Expand and simplify the equation

First, expand $2.49(x - 3)$: $2.49x - 7.47$. Now the equation becomes $2.39x + 2.49x - 7.47 = 46.21$. Combine like terms: $(2.39 + 2.49)x - 7.47 = 46.21$ → $4.88x - 7.47 = 46.21$.

Step3: Solve for x

Add $7.47$ to both sides: $4.88x = 46.21 + 7.47$ → $4.88x = 53.68$. Then divide both sides by $4.88$: $x = \frac{53.68}{4.88} = 11$.

Step4: Find the second week's gallons

The second week's gallons are $x - 3 = 11 - 3 = 8$.

Answer:

In the first week, Micah bought $\boldsymbol{11}$ gallons of gas.
In the second week, Micah bought $\boldsymbol{8}$ gallons of gas.