Introduction:
An octahedron is a three-dimensional geometric figure with eight faces, twelve edges, and six vertices. In this question, we need to determine the number of edges in an octahedron.

Explanation:
To find the number of edges in an octahedron, we can use Euler's formula, which states that for any polyhedron (a three-dimensional figure with flat faces), the number of vertices (V), edges (E), and faces (F) are related by the equation V + F - E = 2.

In the case of an octahedron, we know that it has six vertices and eight faces. Plugging these values into Euler's formula, we get:

6 + 8 - E = 2

Simplifying the equation, we have:

14 - E = 2

To solve for E, we need to isolate it on one side of the equation. Subtracting 14 from both sides, we get:

-E = 2 - 14

Simplifying further:

-E = -12

To get rid of the negative sign, we can multiply both sides of the equation by -1:

E = 12

Therefore, the number of edges in an octahedron is 12.

Conclusion:
The correct answer is option A, 16, which contradicts the correct answer determined using Euler's formula. Hence, the given answer is incorrect and the explanation provided above demonstrates the correct approach to finding the number of edges in an octahedron.