Final answer:
The maximum number of hours the small airplane can remain in the air is 4.1 hours, calculated by subtracting the seven gallons needed for takeoff and landing from the total fuel capacity, and then dividing the remaining fuel by the hourly fuel consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the maximum number of hours the small airplane can remain in the air, we start with the total fuel capacity and subtract the fuel used for takeoff and landing. Then we divide the remaining fuel by the hourly fuel consumption to find the hours the plane can fly.
Step 1: Subtract fuel for takeoff and landing from total capacity.
Total fuel capacity = 48 gallons
Fuel used for takeoff and landing = 7 gallons
Remaining fuel for flight = 48 gallons - 7 gallons = 41 gallons
Step 2: Divide the remaining fuel by hourly consumption.
Hourly fuel consumption = 10 gallons/hour
Maximum flight hours = Remaining fuel / Hourly fuel consumption
Maximum flight hours = 41 gallons / 10 gallons/hour = 4.1 hours
Therefore, the maximum number of hours the airplane can remain in the air is 4.1 hours.