To solve this problem, we need to analyze the pattern in the sequence of shapes and find the logic behind their transformation to predict the next shape.

Analyzing the Sequence:

1. Initial Observations:

   • The sequence shows a grid-like arrangement of vertical and horizontal lines.
   • As we progress through the sequence from left to right, the number and arrangement of lines change.

2. Pattern in the Sequence:

   • In the first figure, there are 3 horizontal and 3 vertical lines.
   • In the second figure, an additional vertical line is introduced, making 4 vertical lines, while the horizontal lines remain unchanged.
   • In the third figure, another vertical line is added, making 5 vertical lines, and still 3 horizontal lines.
   • The fourth figure has 6 vertical lines, while the number of horizontal lines has also increased to 4.

   This shows that the number of vertical and horizontal lines is increasing gradually, but the vertical lines increase faster than the horizontal ones.

Prediction:

• From the pattern, we observe that the number of vertical lines increases by 1 in each figure, while the horizontal lines increase less frequently.
• Following this pattern, the next shape in the sequence should have 7 vertical lines and 4 horizontal lines (as the horizontal lines increased last in the fourth shape, they may remain the same in the next figure).

Answer:

The correct option is D, which shows 7 vertical lines and 4 horizontal lines.

Example Problem 1 (Similar Pattern):

Problem:

Consider the following sequence of shapes. Each shape contains dots arranged in a grid. The first shape has 1 dot, the second shape has 4 dots arranged in a 2x2 grid, the third shape has 9 dots arranged in a 3x3 grid. What will the next shape look like?

Options: A. A grid with 12 dots
B. A grid with 16 dots
C. A grid with 15 dots
D. A grid with 10 dots

Solution:

• The sequence follows a pattern where the number of dots in each shape is a perfect square:
  1st shape: $1 = 1^2$,
  2nd shape: $4 = 2^2$,
  3rd shape: $9 = 3^2$.

  Therefore, the next shape will have $4^2 = 16$ dots arranged in a 4x4 grid.

Answer: Option B (16 dots).

Example Problem 2 (Increasing Patterns):

Problem:

You are given a sequence of rectangles. The first rectangle has dimensions 1x2, the second has dimensions 2x4, the third has dimensions 3x6. What are the dimensions of the next rectangle?

Options: A. 4x8
B. 4x10
C. 5x8
D. 3x8

Solution:

• The pattern here shows that both the length and the width of the rectangle increase by 1 in each step.

  • 1st rectangle: 1x2
  • 2nd rectangle: 2x4
  • 3rd rectangle: 3x6

  Therefore, the next rectangle should have dimensions 4x8.

Answer: Option A (4x8).

Let me know if you need more examples or any clarification! Here are 5 follow-up questions you can explore:

1. How would the sequence change if only the horizontal lines increased at each step?
2. Can you describe a different possible pattern for the sequence of lines?
3. How would the logic change if the grid changed shape, such as becoming circular?
4. How would you approach a sequence where both line color and orientation change?
5. What if the number of lines decreased instead of increased?

Tip: Always look for consistent changes between steps in a sequence, whether in numbers, shapes, or orientations, to find patterns.