Joe went on a diet 4 months ago when he weighed 212 pounds. If he now weighs 188 pounds and continues to lose at the same average monthly rate, in approximately how many months will he weigh 160 pounds?
Answers.
A) 3 B) 3.5 C) 4 D) 4.5 E) 5
212 - 188= 
<gadget id="calculator">212 - 188</gadget>
<output>24</output>
24 pounds lost in 4 months    24/4= 
<gadget id="calculator"> 24/4</gadget>
<output>6</output>
6, so Joe is losing weight at a rate of 6 pounds per month.   ...in approximately how many months will he weigh 160 pounds?   A simple approach is to just list the weights.   Now: 188 lbs   In 1 month: 182 lbs   In 2 months: 176 lbs   In 3 months: 170 lbs   In 4 months: 164 lbs   In 5 months: 158 lbs   Since 160 pounds is halfway between 164 and 158, the correct answer must be 4.5 months.   Answer: 4.5
<result>D</result>
Joe went on a diet 4 months ago when he weighed 212 pounds. If he now weighs 188 pounds and continues to lose at the same average monthly rate, in approximately how many months will he weigh 160 pounds?