Let's analyze the given sequence to determine the eighth number.

The sequence starts as: 532, 536, 540, 544, __, __, __, ?

We observe that the numbers are increasing by 4:

$536 - 532 = 4, \quad 540 - 536 = 4, \quad 544 - 540 = 4$

Thus, the pattern follows an addition of 4 at each step. Continuing this pattern:

$544 + 4 = 548$ $548 + 4 = 552$ $552 + 4 = 556$

So, the eighth number in the sequence is 556, which matches option A.

Would you like further details or explanations? Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:

1. How do arithmetic sequences differ from geometric sequences?
2. How can you express this sequence as a formula for the nth term?
3. What are common methods for identifying the rule in a number pattern?
4. Can you explain how negative common differences affect a sequence?
5. How would this sequence change if the difference between terms was not constant?

Tip: In any arithmetic sequence, you can always find the common difference by subtracting any term from the next one!