PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
16
Explanation
The pattern involves three groups of numbers. Instead of looking horizontally, observe the corresponding elements in each group. 1st elements: 5, 6, 7 (arithmetic progression, +1) 2nd elements: 7, 8, 9 (arithmetic progression, +1) 3rd elements: 8, 12, ? (increasing by 4: 8 + 4 = 12). So, the next number should be 12 + 4 = 16.
Key Points
- > The sequence operates as interleaved independent series.
- > Series 1 (first numbers): 5, 6, 7.
- > Series 2 (second numbers): 7, 8, 9.
- > Series 3 (third numbers): 8, 12, 16.
- > The common difference in the third series is 4.
- > An alternative logic: (1st + 2nd) - Decreasing even number = 3rd. i.e., (5+7)-4=8; (6+8)-2=12; (7+9)-0=16.
- > Always check relationships between corresponding parts of groups in series questions.
Additional Information
Sequence Breakdown
| Set | Element 1 | Element 2 | Element 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| 2 | 6 | 8 | 12 |
| 3 | 7 | 9 | 16 |
Memory Tips
- Parallel Reading: When series are grouped with semicolons, look at the correlation between the 1st elements, then 2nd elements, and so on.