Question

How many matchsticks are required to complete the fourth figure in the given pattern?

• A. 20
• B. 23
• C. 21
• D. 12

Answer 1

The correct option is C 21

Let's count the number of matchsticks to identify the relation between the stages.

In the first figure, 6 matchsticks are used.

In the second figure, 11 matchsticks are used.

In the third figure, 16 matchsticks are used.


To identify the number of matchsticks in the fourth figure, let's find the difference between the numbers of matchsticks present between the figures in the pattern.

We see:
11 – 6 = 5
16 – 11 = 5


∴ The number of matchsticks required in the fourth figure = 16 + 5 = 21


So, 21 matchsticks are needed to create the fourth figure in the pattern.