What is the next number in the sequence: 8, 12, 16, 20, ?

To determine the next number in the sequence 8, 12, 16, 20, it is essential to recognize the pattern of the sequence. Observing the numbers, we see that each number increases by 4 from the previous number:

• 8 + 4 = 12

• 12 + 4 = 16

• 16 + 4 = 20

Following this established pattern, we continue by adding 4 to the last number in the sequence, which is 20:

20 + 4 = 24

Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 24. This is why the correct answer is the one that states 24, as it follows consistently from the established pattern of adding 4 to each number in the sequence.