Let's analyze the given options and identify the correct processing speed for the average listener.
The options provided are:
1. 100 words per minute
2. 150 words per minute
3. 200-300 words per minute
4. [tex]$400 - \frac{5}{0}$[/tex] words per minute
First, let's consider each of these options:
1. 100 words per minute: This speed seems too slow for the average listener, as it's typically understood that the average listener can process speech faster than the average speaker can produce it.
2. 150 words per minute: This is approximately the rate at which the average person speaks. Since listeners usually process information faster than speakers produce it, the listener's processing speed should be higher than this.
3. 200-300 words per minute: This range seems reasonable because it is generally accepted that listeners can process information at a faster rate than speakers can deliver it. Hence, this range includes plausible speeds for average listeners.
4. [tex]$400 - \frac{5}{0}$[/tex] words per minute: This option includes a division by zero, which is undefined in mathematics. Therefore, this option is invalid and should be dismissed.
From the above analysis, we can conclude that the correct answer is most likely within the 200-300 words per minute range. This is the most appropriate choice based on general knowledge about information processing speeds.
Thus, the average listener processes information at about 200-300 words per minute.
