Find the minimum number of straight lines that are required to make the given…
2025
Find the minimum number of straight lines that are required to make the given figure.
- A.
11
- B.
14
- C.
16
- D.
17
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept: In a "minimum number of straight lines" figure, count every maximal straight line that runs across the whole figure only once, even where it appears broken into shorter segments by intersections. Group the lines by direction — vertical, horizontal, and slanting — and add the three counts together.
Application: Label the figure as shown.
Vertical lines: AK, BJ, CI, DH and EG — 5 lines.
Horizontal lines: AE, LF and KG — 3 lines.
Slanting (diagonal) lines: LC, CF, FI, LI, EK and AG — 6 lines.
Adding these together: 5 + 3 + 6 = 14 straight lines are needed to form the figure.
Cross-check: Recounting line by line in each direction — 5 vertical, 3 horizontal and 6 slanting — reproduces the same total with no line counted twice or left out.