Final answer:
The problem for the student entails using algebra to calculate the optimized mix of railroad tank cars with different capacities to meet a total volume requirement for a chemical manufacturer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The given question requires solving a mathematical problem to determine the fleet of railroad tank cars needed for a chemical manufacturer. It's a problem of optimization and algebraic calculation, involving multiple constraints (tank car capacities and total volume to be transported).
Capacity calculations and economies of scale are essential in business decisions like these, ensuring that the lease is both sufficient for the manufacturer's needs and cost-effective. This scenario also highlights the importance of energy efficiency in transportation, as trains are one of the most energy-efficient modes of transit due to their low rolling friction.