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Fuel required by proportion

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 5 of 25 on Mathematics. ACS element AM.I.H.K5 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAn airplane flying 300 miles used 24 gallons of gasoline. At the same rate, how many gallons will it need to fly 750 miles?

  1. A48 gallons
  2. B60 gallons
  3. C9.6 gallons
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 60 gallons

  • A — incorrect Doubling 24 gallons would cover only 600 miles, not 750.
  • B — correct Set up miles to gallons as 300/24 = 750/G; G = (750 × 24) ÷ 300 = 60 gallons.
  • C — incorrect This comes from inverting the proportion (24 × 300 ÷ 750); a longer trip cannot need fewer gallons.

BACKGROUND

A proportion is a statement that two ratios are equal. To solve for an unknown, multiply the two known numbers along the diagonal and divide by the third known number. The handbook sets the ratio up as miles to gallons: 300/24 = 750/G. Multiplying 750 by 24 gives 18,000, and dividing by 300 gives G = 60. Therefore 60 gallons are required to fly 750 miles.

STUDY TIP

Keep the same quantity in the numerators of both ratios; then cross-multiply and divide.

KEY POINTS

  • Proportion: 300 miles/24 gal = 750 miles/G.
  • G = (750 × 24) ÷ 300.
  • 60 gallons for 750 miles.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch03 "Solving Proportions" (airplane fuel example)
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.