Final answer:
The forecast for May using a four-month moving average is calculated by averaging the sales figures from the previous four months: January (40), February (42), March (48), and April (46), giving a forecast of 44.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the forecast for May using a four-month moving average, we use the data for the previous four months. This method smooths out fluctuations in the data to give a better long-term trend.
Here is the calculation:
March: 48
April: 46
January: 40
February: 42
The sum of these months sales: 48 + 46 + 40 + 42 = 176
The four-month moving average is then: 176 / 4 = 44.
Therefore, the forecast for May using a four-month moving average is 44.