Final answer:
To determine the annual fuel cost savings when switching from an SUV with 25 MPG to a hybrid with 50 MPG, driving 50,000 miles per year with gas at $4 per gallon, it is calculated to be $4,000. This amount is saved because the hybrid uses half the amount of gas compared to the SUV.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the savings in annual fuel expenses when switching from an SUV that averages 25 miles per gallon to a hybrid car that averages 50 miles per gallon, given that you drive 50,000 miles per year and gas averages $4 per gallon, you need to perform the following steps:
- Calculate the number of gallons used by the SUV per year: 50,000 miles ÷ 25 miles/gallon = 2,000 gallons/year.
- Calculate the annual fuel cost for the SUV: 2,000 gallons/year × $4/gallon = $8,000/year.
- Calculate the number of gallons used by the hybrid car per year: 50,000 miles ÷ 50 miles/gallon = 1,000 gallons/year.
- Calculate the annual fuel cost for the hybrid car: 1,000 gallons/year × $4/gallon = $4,000/year.
- Calculate the savings: $8,000/year (SUV) - $4,000/year (Hybrid) = $4,000/year savings.
The correct answer is not listed in the provided options; the savings are $4,000 per year.