Step 1: Understand the formula for expected time.
In project management, particularly in PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), the expected time of an activity is calculated using the weighted average of three time estimates:
- A = Optimistic time (the minimum possible time),
- B = Pessimistic time (the maximum possible time),
- C = Most likely time (the most probable time).
The expected time \( E \) is calculated as:
\[
E = \frac{A + B + 4C}{6}
\]
Step 2: Conclusion
This formula provides a weighted average with a higher weight given to the most likely time.
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\frac{A + B + 4C}{6}}
\]