Joe went on a diet 3 months ago when he weighed 222 pounds. If he now weighs 198 pounds and continues to lose at the same average monthly rate, in approximately how many months will he weigh 170 pounds?
Pick one.
A) 3
B) 3.5
C) 4
D) 4.5
E) 5
222 - 198= 
<gadget id="calculator">222 - 198</gadget>
<output>24</output>
24 pounds lost in 3 months    24/3= 
<gadget id="calculator"> 24/3</gadget>
<output>8</output>
8, so Joe is losing weight at a rate of 8 pounds per month.   ...in approximately how many months will he weigh 170 pounds?   A simple approach is to just list the weights.   Now: 198 lbs   In 1 month: 190 lbs   In 2 months: 182 lbs   In 3 months: 174 lbs   In 4 months: 166 lbs   Since 170 pounds is halfway between 174 and 166, the correct answer must be 3.5 months.   Answer: 3.5
<result>B</result>
Joe went on a diet 3 months ago when he weighed 222 pounds. If he now weighs 198 pounds and continues to lose at the same average monthly rate, in approximately how many months will he weigh 170 pounds?