Answer: An exponential model should be used to determine how many squares are in the nth pattern.
Step-by-step explanation: To determine if a linear or exponential model should be used to find the number of squares in the nth pattern, we need to examine the growth pattern. If the number of squares increases by a constant amount, use a linear model. If it increases by a constant factor, use an exponential model. In this case, the number of squares increases by a constant factor (4), so an exponential model should be used.