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? Choose the most appropriate option:
A) 3	B) 3.5	C) 4	D) 4.5	E) 5

Rationale: "212 - 188 = 24 pounds lost in 4 months 24 / 4 = 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 : d"
Answer: D