The square boxes in the figures given are to be painted with different colours such that no two adjacent boxes (even diagonally) have same colour. How many minimum colours do you need in each case?

Condition: No two adjacent boxes (including diagonally) can have the same colour.

First Figure (cross shape):
Due to diagonal touching, 3 colours are not sufficient.
Minimum colours required = 4

Second Figure (3×3 grid):
Each box touches many others including diagonally, forming a highly connected pattern.
At least 4 colours are required to avoid repetition.

Final Answer: (b) (4, 4)