Some of the $1 \times 1$ squares in a $3 \times 3$ grid are shaded, as shown. What is the perimeter of the shaded region?
(A) 10
(B) 14
(C) 8
(D) 18
(E) 20

![](https://cdn.mathpix.com/cropped/2024_04_20_e85ef69091c57cb633f3g-014.jpg?height=307&width=295&top_left_y=882&top_left_x=1316)
The top, left and bottom unit squares each contribute 3 sides of length 1 to the perimeter.

The remaining square contributes 1 side of length 1 to the perimeter.

Therefore, the perimeter is $3 \times 3+1 \times 1=10$.

Alternatively, the perimeter includes 3 vertical right sides, 3 vertical left sides, 2 horizontal top sides, and 2 horizontal bottom sides, which means that the perimeter is $3+3+2+2=10$.

ANSWER: (A)