To find the pattern in the given sequence, let's look at the differences between consecutive terms:
1st difference: 2 - 0.5 = 1.5
2nd difference: 4.5 - 2 = 2.5
3rd difference: 8 - 4.5 = 3.5
4th difference: 12.5 - 8 = 4.5
We can observe that the differences are increasing by 1 each time. Therefore, the next difference should be 5.5.
To find the next term in the sequence, we add the next difference to the last term in the sequence:
24.5 + 5.5 = 30
Hence, the next term in the sequence should be 30.
Now, let's go through each option to see which one matches the pattern:
A. 31 - This option is incorrect because it does not match the pattern.
B. 32 - This option is correct because it matches the pattern.
C. 31.5 - This option is incorrect because it does not match the pattern.
D. 32.5 - This option is incorrect because it does not match the pattern.
Therefore, the correct answer is B) 32.