Explanation:

Let’s break down that pattern row by row:

- First row: 25, 64, 81

- Notice: these are all perfect squares (5², 8², 9²).

- Second row: 23, 41, 38

- That’s a drop of 2 from 25, drop of 23 from 64, drop of 43 from 81. Not a clear arithmetic pattern.

- Let’s look at difference between top and middle row:

- 25 ? 23 (minus 2)

- 64 ? 41 (minus 23)

- 81 ? 38 (minus 43)

- The differences are: -2, -23, -43 (not linear, but let's keep it in mind).

- Third row: 18, 33, ?

- What's the relationship above?

- 23 - 18 = 5

- 41 - 33 = 8

- 38 - ? = 9 (if the pattern continues: 5, 8, next should be 9)

- So, 38 - 9 = 29

Now, let's check your options:

- Option 1: 17 (doesn't match)

- Option 2: 27 (doesn't match)

- Option 3: 19 (doesn't match)

- Option 4: 29

So, yeah—the missing number is 29. The pattern is: middle row minus third row = perfect squares’ roots (5, 8, 9). Real simple once you see it.