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 the differences.
$26-14=12,\ 36-26=10,\ 44-36=8,\ 50-44=6$
Step 2: Identify the pattern.
The differences diminish by \(2\): \(12,10,8,6,\underline{4},2\).
Step 3: Determine the missing value.
The subsequent number is $50+4=54$; then $54+2=56$ \(⇒\) confirming consistency.