Question

which figure is missing in the pattern?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the pattern of the number of squares

The first figure has \(1\times1 = 1\) square. The second figure has \(2\times2 = 4\) squares. The third figure has \(3\times3 = 9\) squares. The fifth figure has \(5\times5 = 25\) squares. So the pattern is that the \(n\)-th figure has \(n\times n\) squares.

Step2: Determine the number of squares for the fourth figure

For the fourth figure, \(n = 4\), so the number of squares should be \(4\times4=16\) squares. Now we check the options:

• Option A: \(5\times4 = 20\) squares (not 16).
• Option B: \(4\times4 = 16\) squares (matches).
• Option C: \(6\times5 = 30\) squares (not 16).
• Option D: \(5\times4 = 20\) squares (not 16).

Answer:

B. The figure with 4 rows and 4 columns of squares (16 squares in total)