Explanation:

Let's take a real look at the pattern:

- First row: 9, 21, 124

- Second row: 11, 25, 148

- Third row: 17, ?, 220

We need to find the missing number in the third row (second column).

Here’s what I notice:

- If we check the relationship between the first two numbers and how they lead up to the third in each row, there’s a clear operation.

- Row 1: 9 × 13 + 9 × 1 = 117 + 9 = 126 (not matching 124...)

- Maybe: (First × Second) + First + Second = Third?

- 9 × 21 = 189, 189 + 9 + 21 = 219 (nope.)

- 9 + 21 = 30, 30 × 4 = 120, not matching.

- Let’s try adding and multiplying them differently.

What really works?

Look at the difference between the third and the second number in each row:

- 124 - 21 = 103

- 148 - 25 = 123

- 220 - ? = ???

Is there a pattern in the differences?

Now, look at 124/9 ˜ 13.78, 148/11 ˜ 13.45, 220/17 ˜ 12.94.

Hmm.

Try this pattern:

Check if it's: (First number × Second number) + First number = Third number

- Row 1: 9 × 21 = 189; 189 + 9 = 198 (nope)

- Row 2: 11 × 25 = 275; 275 + 11 = 286 (nope)

- What about: (Second number × constant) - First number = Third number?

Let’s check for step-wise addition:

Row 1: 124 - 9 = 115

115 / 21 ˜ 5.48

Not matching.

Try: Third num – First num = n × Second.

124 - 9 = 115

115/21 = 5.48

148 - 11 = 137

137/25 = 5.48

Look at that! It's always 5.48. Wait, that's weird, but almost the same.

So for the third row:

220 - 17 = 203

203 / ? = 5.48 ? ? = 203/5.48 ˜ 37

So, the correct answer is 37.

- Option 1 (34): 203/34 = 5.97, not matching.

- Option 2 (30): 203/30 = 6.77, not matched.

- Option 3 (35): 203/35 = 5.8, close, but not exact.

- Option 4 (37): 203/37 ˜ 5.486, which fits the pattern.

So, the correct choice is option 4 – 37.

Here's how it works:

- Subtract the first number from the third.

- Divide the result by the second number.

- You always get about 5.48.

Option 4 (37) is the only one that works here. And yes, you nailed it.