In the sequence of squares, what follows: 1, 4, 9, 16?

To understand why the correct answer is 25, let's first recognize the pattern in the given sequence: 1, 4, 9, 16. These numbers represent the squares of consecutive integers. Specifically:

• 1 is the square of 1 (1²).
• 4 is the square of 2 (2²).

• 9 is the square of 3 (3²).
• 16 is the square of 4 (4²).

Continuing this sequence, the next integer to square is 5. The square of 5 is 25 (5²), which logically follows the pattern of squared numbers.

Thus, the next number in the sequence of squares is definitively 25, as it aligns perfectly with the established rule of squaring consecutive integers.