Step 1: Understanding the Expected Time Formula. In project management, especially within PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), the expected time for a task is determined by a weighted average of three time estimates: - A = Optimistic time (best-case scenario), - B = Pessimistic time (worst-case scenario), - C = Most likely time (most realistic estimate). The expected time \( E \) is computed as follows:\[E = \frac{A + B + 4C}{6}\]Step 2: Summary This formula calculates a weighted average, emphasizing the most likely time. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\frac{A + B + 4C}{6}}\]