Students build four electromagnets and test them by picking up metal tacks. Here are their partial results.

12 coils 4 tacks
24 coils 9 tacks
36 coils 13 tacks
48 coils ? tacks
Which is the best prediction for the number of nails the electromagnet with 48 coils will pick up?

Based on the pattern seen in the results so far, the best prediction for the number of tacks the electromagnet with 48 coils will pick up is 18 tacks. This prediction is based on the increasing number of coils resulting in a greater ability to pick up metal tacks.