2020 AMC 8 Problem 4

Attempt Problem 4 of the 2020 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the video solution and professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2020 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

4.

Three hexagons of increasing size are shown below. Suppose the dot pattern continues so that each successive hexagon contains one more band of dots. How many dots are in the next hexagon?
3535
3737
3939
4343
4949
Answer: B
Concepts:arithmetic sequencepattern recognition
Small hint:
The added bands have 6,6, 12,12, 18,18, …\ldots dots
Big hint:
The next hexagon is the third one plus the next band
Video solution:
Solution video thumbnail
Play video

Click to load, then click again to play

Written solution:
The first three hexagons contain 1,1, 7,7, and 1919 dots. Each new band adds 66 more dots than the previous band.
The fourth hexagon adds 1818 dots around the third hexagon, so it contains 19+18=3719+18=37 dots.
Thus, the correct answer is B.
LIVE by Po-Shen Loh
Programs

LIVE Classes

Self-Paced Classes

Stars

Scholarship

About Us

Who Is Po-Shen Loh?

Email Contact

Newsletter

Jobs

Become a Star

For a more Thought Full world.

© 2026 Expii, Inc.