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?  Select the correct option:
A) 3  B) 3.5  C) 4  D) 4.5  E) 5

Rationale: "222 - 198 = 24 pounds lost in 3 months 24 / 3 = 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 : b"
Answer: B