Question: Thomas is keeping track of the rainfall in May for his science project. On the first day, 26 cm of rain fell. On the second day, 34 cm fell. On the third day, 12 cm less than the second day fell. The average rainfall for the first three days of May is usually 140 cm across all three days, in a normal year. How much less is it raining this year than average? Think carefully first, then make a decision:
In total 26 + 34 + 22 = 82 cm fell for three days. If 140 cm is the average for the first three days, then 140 - 82 = 58 cm less than the average. So the answer is 58.