Find next: 1, 4, 9, 16, ?

**The reasoning** Look at the pattern: 1, 4, 9, 16, ? Notice that: - 1 = 1² - 4 = 2² - 9 = 3² - 16 = 4² This is a **sequence of perfect squares**. Each term is simply a counting number multiplied by itself. So the next number must be 5² = 5 × 5 = **25**. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A) 20**: You might think "add 3, then 5, then 7, then 9..." (differences increasing by 2). That gives 16 + 9 = 25, not 20. This just confuses the pattern. - **C) 30**: Maybe you saw "add 4 repeatedly" early on and got lost. But 1→4→9 isn't adding 4s consistently. - **D) 36**: This is 6², which would be the *seventh* term if you skip 5². Easy to jump ahead when rushing! **Quick takeaway** When you see 1, 4, 9, 16 together in JAMB or WAEC, always think **perfect squares** — it's one of their favourite patterns, and the answer follows 1², 2², 3², 4², 5²...