If $\frac{1}{2}$ of $\frac{2}{3}$ of the twelve small squares in the given figure are removed, how many squares remain?

![](https://cdn.mathpix.com/cropped/2024_04_20_46ead6524a8d61e21c51g-085.jpg?height=71&width=645&top_left_y=794&top_left_x=726)
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 8
(E) 9
Since there are 12 squares initially, then the number of squares to be removed is

$\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{2}{3} \times 12=\frac{1}{3} \times 12=4$

Therefore, there will be 8 squares remaining.

ANSWER: (D)

#