Explanation:

Let’s break it down:

- The first pair is 28 and 729.

- 28 is 2 × 2 × 7. That might not be useful.

- But look—729 is 9³.

- Wait—729 is 27², too. Hmm.

- 28 and 729 don’t share an obvious squared or cubed pattern.

- Let's think exponents.

- 28 ? 2^2 × 7.

- 729 = 9³ or 27², but 27 is close to 28.

- Maybe it’s about adding 1, then cubing? 28 + 1 = 29³ = 24,389 (Nope.)

- Wait, maybe check 32 in the same way:

- 32 is 25.

- Any option is a perfect square or cube?

- 961 = 31²

- 973? Not a square or cube.

- 824? Not matching pattern.

- 738? No clear power link.

- Go back: 28 and 729—anything?

- 27² = 729, 28-1 = 27.

- Then, 32-1 = 31; 31² = 961!

So the pattern is:

Take the first number, subtract 1, then square it to get the second number.

So for 32: 32-1 = 31, and 31² = 961.

Option 1: 961 is correct.

The other options don’t fit this clear subtract-one-then-square rule.