In minor keys, the plagal cadence uses which roman-numeral order?

• A. IV-I
• B. iv-i
• C. III-iv
• D. ii°-I

Answer: (B)

In minor keys, a plagal cadence is built from the subdominant to the tonic, both in minor: iv moving to i. The fourth-scale-degree chord in natural minor is a minor triad (iv), and resolving to the tonic minor (i) gives that gentler, amen-like close characteristic of a plagal cadence in minor. For example, in A minor, iv is D minor (D–F–A) and i is A minor (A–C–E); a smooth voice-leading move D→C and F→E while A stays as a common tone creates a cohesive IV–I feel in minor. Using a major IV instead of iv would clash with the minor mode, and other progressions (like III–iv or ii°–I) don’t produce the standard plagal cadence in minor.