Question

Find the missing term in the series:
3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ?

• A. 36
• B. 39
• C. 40
• D. 38

Hint:

Look at the differences between terms in a series; increasing or decreasing patterns often follow simple arithmetic progressions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To solve this problem, the pattern in the series must be determined, and the missing term identified.

1. Conceptual Overview:

- Number Series: A succession of numbers adhering to a defined rule.
- Pattern Identification: Ascertaining the operation connecting successive elements.

2. Provided Series:

3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ?

3. Difference Analysis:

Consecutive term differences are calculated:
6 - 3 = 3
11 - 6 = 5
18 - 11 = 7
27 - 18 = 9

4. Pattern Deduction:

The sequence of differences is: 3, 5, 7, 9.
This sequence comprises consecutive odd numbers, each incrementing by 2.
The subsequent difference should therefore be 11.

5. Missing Term Calculation:

The last known term is 27.
The next term is calculated as 27 + 11 = 38.

Final Determination:

The missing value in the series is 38.