On one side of a 1.01 km long road, 101 plants are planted at equal distances from each other. What is the total distance between 5 consecutive plants?

The correct option is 40.4 m.

Let's break down the solution step-by-step to understand why this option is correct.

Step 1: Understand the division of the road
We are given a road of total length 1.01 km. First, let's convert this distance into meters to make our calculations easier:
Total distance = 1.01 km = 1.01 × 1000 m = 1010 m.
On one side of this road, 101 plants are planted at equal intervals. When we place 101 plants along a line, the number of intervals (or gaps) between the first plant and the last plant is:
Number of intervals = 101 - 1 = 100 intervals.

Step 2: Calculate the distance of a single interval
Since the plants are placed at equal distances from each other, the length of each individual interval is the total distance divided by the number of intervals:
Distance per interval = 1010 m / 100 = 10.1 m.

Step 3: Calculate the distance between 5 consecutive plants
Now, we need to find the total distance between 5 consecutive plants (from the 1st to the 5th plant).
The number of intervals between 5 consecutive plants is:
5 - 1 = 4 intervals.
Therefore, the total distance spanning 5 consecutive plants is:
Total distance = 4 × 10.1 m = 40.4 m.

Thus, the total distance between 5 consecutive plants is 40.4 m, matching the correct option.