Question

Which number will replace the question mark?
3, 6, 18, 72, ?

• A. 144
• B. 360
• C. 288
• D. 216

Hint:

Check for multiplication or exponential patterns in consecutive terms of a number series before trying complex logic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Write the sequence:
3, 6, 18, 72, ?

Step 2: Look at the differences between terms:
6 − 3 = 3
18 − 6 = 12
72 − 18 = 54

Step 3: Observe the pattern in differences:
3, 12, 54
Now check how these grow:
12 ÷ 3 = 4
54 ÷ 12 = 4.5

Step 4: Notice a pattern:
The multipliers are increasing by 0.5 → 4, 4.5, so next will be 5

Step 5: Find next difference:
54 × 5 = 270

Step 6: Add to last term:
72 + 270 = 342

Step 7: Check consistency:
This approach slightly deviates, so refine pattern:
Differences follow: 3 × 4 = 12, 12 × 4.5 = 54
Better interpretation → differences roughly follow increasing multiplication → next ≈ 54 × (5/?)

Step 8: More accurate alternate pattern:
Rewrite sequence as:
3 = 3 × 1
6 = 3 × 2
18 = 3 × 6
72 = 3 × 24

Step 9: Observe inside pattern:
1, 2, 6, 24 → factorial pattern (1!, 2!, 3!, 4!)

Step 10: Next term:
Next = 3 × 5! = 3 × 120 = 360

Final Answer: 360