Explanation:

- In the set (12, 16, 28), the difference between the first two numbers is 4, and the difference between the second and third numbers is 12. This forms the pattern of adding 4, then 12.

- Option 1: (18, 24, 42)

- Difference between 18 and 24 is 6.

- Difference between 24 and 42 is 18.

- This does not match the original pattern.

- Option 2: (9, 15, 21)

- Difference between 9 and 15 is 6.

- Difference between 15 and 21 is 6.

- This does not match the original pattern.

- Option 3: (36, 48, 77)

- Difference between 36 and 48 is 12.

- Difference between 48 and 77 is 29.

- This does not match the original pattern.

- Option 4: (20, 25, 35)

- Difference between 20 and 25 is 5.

- Difference between 25 and 35 is 10.

- This is also not the correct pattern.

- Option 1 is the closest as the differences are multiples of 3, but none exactly match (12, 16, 28).

Therefore, no option forms the pattern accurately.

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