Understanding the Average Weight Problem for Border Patrol Candidates

When studying for the Border Patrol exam, understanding how to handle mathematical problems, especially ones involving averages, can give you a significant edge. Let’s break down a problem involving weights of canines, which might seem tricky at first. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds!

What’s the Problem?

Imagine you’ve got three canines, and the average weight of these furry friends is 130 lbs. Now, if the smallest pooch weighs 110 lbs, what do the other two canines weigh together? You might be sitting there scratching your head, but don’t sweat it—we’re going to walk through this step by step!

Calculating Total Weight

To figure this out, we start by determining the total weight of all three canines. Remember, the average weight is just that—an average. So, if the average is 130 lbs, you can find the total weight by multiplying the average by the number of canines.

So, the total weight becomes:

Total weight = Average weight × Number of canines

Total weight = 130 lbs × 3 = 390 lbs.

Now, we’ve got the total weight of our three canines: 390 lbs. Easy, right? Just checking in—still with me?

Finding the Remaining Weight

Next, we need to consider the weight of the smallest canine, which is 110 lbs. To find the combined weight of the other two, we subtract the weight of the smallest from the total weight.

Weight of the other two canines = Total weight - Weight of the smallest canine

Weight of the other two canines = 390 lbs - 110 lbs = 280 lbs.

Wait, What’s the Answer?

Now, here’s where it gets a bit tricky. If we look at the answer choices that were provided earlier—130 lbs, 140 lbs, 160 lbs, and 150 lbs—the correct total weight of the other two canines doesn’t actually match any of those choices!

Instead of being daunted, think of it as an opportunity. This is a perfect example of how material might be presented on an exam, highlighting the importance of careful examination of data and understanding your calculations.

Rethinking the Options

Reflecting on the options might leave you puzzled. It’s essential to remember that sometimes in exams, distractors can be cleverly designed to throw off your analysis. So, let’s take that weight of 280 lbs—can we make sense of it? Not from the given options, unfortunately, but this teaches us a vital lesson in analyzing what's presented.

At this point, you might feel a bit of frustration, but consider this: mastering the concepts and being able to dissect a problem deeply enhances your skills not just for the exam but for real-world scenarios. Math isn’t just about numbers; it’s about thinking critically and solving problems effectively.

Conclusion: Connecting the Dots

In essence, tackling problems like this one ensures that when you step up to the Border Patrol exam, you’re not just memorizing procedures; you’re cultivating a problem-solving mindset.

If you embrace these calculations and apply similar logic to other concepts you encounter, you’ll not only perform well but might just find yourself enjoying the process. So, the next time you tackle a weight problem, remember this exercise and approach it with confidence. You got this!

By preparing thoroughly and practicing these types of problems, you're setting yourself up for success. The Border Patrol exam is more than a test—it's a gateway to a rewarding career, and every bit of practice counts!