Which sequence is the easiest progression for a 4x4 matrix?

Which sequence is the easiest progression for a 4x4 matrix?

• A. 1x3 -> 1x4 -> 2x3 -> 2x4 -> 3x3 -> 3x4 -> 4x3 -> 4x4
• B. 1x1 -> 1x2 -> 2x1 -> 2x2 -> 3x1 -> 3x2 -> 4x1 -> 4x2
• C. 4x1 -> 4x2 -> 4x3 -> 4x4
• D. 3x1 -> 3x2 -> 4x1 -> 4x2

Answer: (A)

Starting with a smaller submatrix and growing it by adding one row or one column at a time is the easiest way to progress toward a 4x4. This approach keeps changes simple at each step and ensures every intermediate shape is a manageable expansion of the previous one. The sequence shown does exactly that: it begins with a 1x3 block, then adds a column to become 1x4. Next, it adds a new row but keeps the width at 3 (2x3), then expands that row to 2x4, then adds another row with width 3 (3x3), and again expands to 3x4. It then adds the final row with width 3 (4x3) and finally extends to 4x4. Each step increases size by just one row or one column and builds toward the full 4x4 in a steady, incremental fashion. The other options either skip intermediate shapes, jump sizes, or don’t expand in a consistently gradual way toward 4x4, making them less straightforward as a progression.

Starting with a smaller submatrix and growing it by adding one row or one column at a time is the easiest way to progress toward a 4x4. This approach keeps changes simple at each step and ensures every intermediate shape is a manageable expansion of the previous one.

The sequence shown does exactly that: it begins with a 1x3 block, then adds a column to become 1x4. Next, it adds a new row but keeps the width at 3 (2x3), then expands that row to 2x4, then adds another row with width 3 (3x3), and again expands to 3x4. It then adds the final row with width 3 (4x3) and finally extends to 4x4. Each step increases size by just one row or one column and builds toward the full 4x4 in a steady, incremental fashion.

The other options either skip intermediate shapes, jump sizes, or don’t expand in a consistently gradual way toward 4x4, making them less straightforward as a progression.