Final answer:
To determine the number of laps Rhoda swam, we must choose a number that is higher than 16 and lower than 21. This leaves us with two possibilities: 17 laps or 18 laps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question presents a scenario wherein swim club members swam a number of laps between 14 and 26, inclusive. We are given that Rhoda swam more laps than Pam, who swam 16 laps, and fewer laps than Li, who swam 21 laps. To find out how many laps Rhoda swam, we must select a number greater than 16 and less than 21.
Looking at the answer choices, we can immediately eliminate options A (14 laps) and C (16 laps) because they are not higher than the number of laps Pam swam. Also, we can eliminate options that are higher than the number of laps Li swam, which in this case there are none.
The remaining possible numbers of laps Rhoda could have swam are 17 and 18. Therefore, the correct answer must be either 17 laps (option D) or 18 laps (option E).