Numerous numbers processed

In my previous post I commented on the quantity of numerical data that we find ourselves processing all the time when driving a car these days. This shows both the importance of numeracy in real-life contexts, in two senses: (a) in a technological age a large proportion of communication is through numbers; (b) the principal reason for being 'numerate' is to ensure that we can handle with confidence information presented in numerical form. This almost always requires: a sense of number and an appreciation of the relationships between numbers; the ability to make estimates; understanding of measurements of various kinds and units in a practical context; confidence with concepts related to ratio, proportion and rate of change. It never seems to involve the need to perform paper and pencil formal, context-free calculations, to which those who designed our new curriculum have given so much prominence!

Anyway, here is the solution to the problem I set in my previous post:

15:35 was the current time

55 mph was my speed

80 kilometres per hour was the equivalent speed in metric

60 miles per hour was the speed limit displayed on the sat nav

3 × 1000 was the number shown on the rev counter

306 miles before I needed to top up with petrol

21 degrees C, the outside temperature

013399 the total mileage the car had done

¾ of a tank of petrol left

2 was the setting on the fan

R3 meant I was listening to Radio 3 (of course)

A17 was the road I was on

6.5 miles to the next junction

A1 the road ahead

5 indicating that I was in 5th gear

0:56 = 56 minutes estimated to reach my destination

16:31 estimated time of arrival

12V written on the adaptor for the satnav, for a 12 volt battery

120W likewise, indicating maximum 120 watts output