Question

Find the correct number that will complete the series: 14, 26, 36, 44, 50, ____________, 56

• A. 54
• B. None
• C. 48
• D. 52

Hint:

When terms look irregular, examine first-level differences; if they form an arithmetic pattern, extend it to fill the blank.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Calculate differences.
\(26-14=12\), \(36-26=10\), \(44-36=8\), \(50-44=6\)
Step 2: Identify the pattern.
The differences decrease by \(2\): \(12,10,8,6,\underline{4},2\).
Step 3: Determine the missing value.
Next number \(=50+4=54\); then \(54+2=56\) \(\Rightarrow\) confirmation.
\[\boxed{\text{Missing term }= 54}\]