Final answer:
By multiplying New York City's population density by its area and then dividing by the ratio of residents per subway car, it's estimated that there are approximately 6,300 subway cars in New York City.
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate the total number of subway cars in New York City, start by calculating the city's total population using its population density and area. With a population density of 27,000 residents per square mile and an area of 301 square miles, the population of New York City is:
27,000 residents/mile2 × 301 miles2 = 8,127,000 residents
Next, determine the number of subway cars based on the ratio of 1 subway car per 1,300 residents:
8,127,000 residents ÷ 1,300 residents/subway car = 6,251 subway cars
Finally, round to the nearest hundred to find that New York City has approximately 6,300 subway cars.