a)
Solution,
According to fuel gauge,the petrol left is exactly between 1/2 and 3/4 part of the 40 litres.
i.e. Left fuel = (1/2 + 3/4)/2 litres
Here,
 1/2 of 40l = 1/2×40l
 = 20l
 3/4 of 40l = 3/4×40l
 = 30l
Then,
 Left fuel = (20l + 30l)/2
 = 50l/2
 = 25l
 
 Consumed fuel = 40l - 25l
 = 15l
Therefore,15 litres of petrol is used to travel 240km
b)
Solution,
 Consumed fuel = 15l
 Distance covered = 240km
Then,
 Fuel consumption rate = 240km/15 l
 = 16km/l
Therefore,the rate of petrol consumption is 16km/l of his car for this journey