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How to Determine Your Gas Mileage

by Alexander J. Izzo (Bowling Green State University)

This article originally appeared in:
Mathematics Magazine
June, 2000

Subject classification(s): Algebra and Number Theory | Linear Algebra | Systems of Linear Equations
Applicable Course(s): 3.8 Linear/Matrix Algebra

Two least-squares methods are used to estimate city and highway gas mileage from readily measured data. First, the author uses the standard least squares method which is suitable for a first linear algebra course.  Second, the author discusses a more accurate weighted least squares method.


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Capsule Course Topic(s):
Linear Algebra | Application: Least Squares
Linear Algebra | Solving Linear Systems: Algebraic
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