An oblong number is the number of dots in a rectangular grid with one more row than column. The first four oblong numbers are 2, 6, 12, and 20, and are represented below:

![](https://cdn.mathpix.com/cropped/2024_04_20_6ed09463f225f8ba1f07g-045.jpg?height=369&width=936&top_left_y=1263&top_left_x=562)

What is the 7th oblong number?
(A) 42
(B) 49
(C) 56
(D) 64
(E) 72
The 7 th oblong number is the number of dots in retangular grid of dots with 7 columns and 8 rows.

Thus, the 7th oblong number is $7 \times 8=56$.

ANSWER: (C)