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THE PETROCO SERVICE STATION HAS ONE PUMP FOR REGULAR UNLEADED GAS, WHICH CAN SERVICE 10 CUSTOMER PER HOUR. DETERMINE THE AVERAGE QUE LENGTH, THE AVERAGE TIME A CAR IS IN THE SYSTEM.

a. Average queue length: 10 cars, Average time: 6 minutes
b. Average queue length: 6 cars, Average time: 10 minutes
c. Average queue length: 5 cars, Average time: 12 minutes
d. Average queue length: 12 cars, Average time: 5 minutes

User Ankh
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Average queue length: 6 cars, Average time: 10 minutes. (Option b is the correct answer).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the average queue length and the average time a car is in the system, we can use queuing theory formulas. The average queue length (L) can be calculated using the formula: L=λ⋅W

where

λ is the arrival rate and

W is the average time a car spends in the system.

The arrival rate (λ) is given by the inverse of the service time, which is 1/10 cars per minute. So, λ=1/10 cars/minute.

Now, let's consider the options:

Option a: L=10×6=60 cars, which is not correct.

Option b: L=1/10×10=1 car, and W=10 minutes. Thus, L=1×10=10 cars, which is correct.

Option c: L=1/10×12=1.2 cars, which is not correct.

Option d: L=1/10×5=0.5 cars, which is not correct.

So, option b is the correct answer with an average queue length of 6 cars and an average time of 10 minutes.

So, option b is the correct answer with an average queue length of 6 cars and an average time of 10 minutes.

Option b provides the most accurate representation of the system, with an average queue length of 6 cars and an average time of 10 minutes, reflecting a realistic scenario for the Petroco service station.

User Erik Lindblad
by
7.4k points