1. The problem presents a pattern in the sums: 1 + 4 = 5, 2 + 5 = 12, 3 + 6 = 21, and asks for 8 + 11 = ? 2. At first glance, the sums don't follow normal addition rules, so we look for a pattern or formula. 3. Notice the results: 5, 12, 21. Let's check if the result equals $a + b + a \times b$ where $a$ and $b$ are the numbers. 4. For 1 + 4: $1 + 4 + 1 \times 4 = 1 + 4 + 4 = 9$ which is not 5, so try another approach. 5. Try $a \times (b + 1)$: - For 1 + 4: $1 \times (4 + 1) = 1 \times 5 = 5$ correct. - For 2 + 5: $2 \times (5 + 1) = 2 \times 6 = 12$ correct. - For 3 + 6: $3 \times (6 + 1) = 3 \times 7 = 21$ correct. 6. So the pattern is $a + b = a \times (b + 1)$. 7. For 8 + 11, apply the formula: $$8 \times (11 + 1) = 8 \times 12 = 96$$ 8. Therefore, the answer is 96.