If a fuel tank holds 50 gallons and is only 40% full, how many gallons of fuel are in the tank?

To determine how many gallons of fuel are in a tank that holds 50 gallons and is only 40% full, you need to calculate 40% of 50 gallons.

The calculation involves converting the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100. Therefore, 40% becomes 0.40. Then, multiply this decimal by the total capacity of the tank:

0.40 × 50 gallons = 20 gallons.

This means that there are 20 gallons of fuel in the tank when it is 40% full.

A better understanding of how percentages work is essential here. By taking a fraction of the total capacity (in this case, 50 gallons), you can systematically determine the amount present based on its percentage fullness. Recognizing these calculations is key for various maintenance and operational tasks in aviation, where accurate measurements of liquid capacities are frequently necessary.