In this numeric analogy, 12 is related to 60 by a simple multiplication rule; using the same pattern, choose the number that correctly completes the analogy: 12 : 60 :: 28 : ?

Introduction / Context:
This is a number analogy question where each pair is related by a simple arithmetic operation. The pair 12 : 60 tells us how 60 is obtained from 12. You must apply the same rule to 28 to find the correct corresponding number. These questions strengthen your number sense and familiarity with basic operations like multiplication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The first pair is 12 and 60.
• The second pair is 28 and an unknown number.
• The same fixed arithmetic rule must connect the numbers in both pairs.
• The operations are likely to be standard ones such as multiplication by a constant.

Concept / Approach:
Start by checking how 60 is related to 12. If we divide 60 by 12, we get 5, which suggests multiplication by 5. We then test whether this pattern is reasonable and apply it to 28. Because the question is from basic analogue reasoning, a simple constant multiplier is usually preferred over complicated expressions unless there is strong evidence to the contrary.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Compute 60 divided by 12. The result is 5.Step 2: Conclude that 60 is equal to 12 multiplied by 5.Step 3: Infer the rule: each first number is multiplied by 5 to give the second number in the pair.Step 4: Apply this rule to 28 by multiplying 28 by 5.Step 5: Calculate 28 * 5 = 140.Step 6: Compare 140 with the options; it is given as option D.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider whether any other rule might produce 60 from 12 and be consistent with the options. For example, adding a fixed number would require 12 plus some constant equal to 60, giving 48, which cannot logically be reused to map 28 to any listed option. Multiplying by 5 is the cleanest and most symmetric operation. Applying the same multiplier to 28 gives 140, exactly one of the options, and no other simple operation yields a valid choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, 160, would require multiplying 28 by a factor greater than 5, which would not match the rule used for 12. Option B, 150, is 28 multiplied by approximately 5.36, which again breaks consistency. Option C, 145, has no straightforward exact factor relationship with 28 that mirrors 12 to 60. Thus these numbers do not obey the same constant multiplier pattern.

Common Pitfalls:
Some test takers look for unnecessarily complex operations such as squares or combinations of addition and multiplication when a simple constant factor suffices. Others may miscalculate the product 28 * 5 under time pressure. To avoid mistakes, always test the simplest hypotheses first and double check your multiplication for common numbers.

Final Answer:
Applying the same multiplication rule, 28 corresponds to 140, so option D is correct.