How to order tasks so that the average time to complete a task is minimal?

Question

Mathematics

So, I decided this: The average time to complete a task does not depend on the sequence of tasks themselves, only on the time it takes to complete. We find the average time to complete a task, i.e. it is necessary to apply the mathematical formula: 3 min + 4 min + 5 min + 10 min + 15 min + 20 min + 30 min + 40 min / 8 = 15, 875 - the average time to complete 8 tasks. In order for the average task execution time to decrease, it is necessary to reduce the task execution time itself, let's say: 3 + 4 + 5 + 10 + 15 + 20 + 20 + 40 = 14.625 and it doesn't matter in what sequence the tasks will be performed. However, this is not correct, but how then is it correct?

Answer 1

In general, the solution will be correct if the tasks with the smallest numerical value are performed first and in ascending order, i.e. 3 + 4 + 5 than doing tasks with the highest numerical value first, so I was told! But does that make a difference! It seems to me that the conditions of the problem are not quite correct!

Answer 2

It is possible that task completion time refers to the time from the beginning of the day to the completion of the task, rather than the actual time spent on the task.