Solution: To find the pattern, observe the calculations in the first two figures. The central number is obtained by multiplying the two numbers on each diagonal and then adding the results.
• First Figure: - Surrounding numbers: 3, 3, 4, and 5
- Calculation: 3 × 4 = 12 and 3 × 5 = 15
- Adding these results: 12 + 15 = 36, which matches the central number.
• Second Figure: - Surrounding numbers: 4, 1, 7, and 3
- Calculation: 4 × 7 = 28 and 1 × 3 = 3
- Adding these results: 28 + 3 = 44, which matches the central number.
• Third Figure: - Surrounding numbers: 9, 8, and 5
- We need to find the missing central number, represented by ?.
- Calculation: 9 × 8 = 72 and 5 × 1 = 5
- Adding these results: 72 + 5 = 77