The pattern alternates between multiplying by 2 and adding 1, then multiplying by 2 and subtracting 1: 4×2+1=9, 9×2-1=17, 17×2+1=35, 35×2-1=69, 69×2+1=139, 139×2-1=277. The missing number is 35. Options like 28, 42, or 51 don't fit this alternating operation pattern.