Number series questions challenge your ability to identify patterns and relationships within a sequence of numbers. These questions appear in law entrance exams and assess your logical and mathematical skills.

Understanding Number Series

Number series questions involve finding the pattern or rule that governs the sequence of numbers. Your task is to determine the next number in the series based on the given pattern.

Strategies for Solving Number Series Questions

• Analyze the Pattern: Begin by carefully examining the given number series. Look for any patterns, progressions, or mathematical relationships.
• Identify Arithmetic or Geometric Progressions: Determine if the sequence follows an arithmetic progression (constant difference between consecutive terms) or a geometric progression (constant ratio between consecutive terms).
• Look for Mathematical Operations: Identify mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division that might be applied to generate the sequence.
• Use Differences or Ratios: Calculate the differences between consecutive terms (if arithmetic) or the ratios between consecutive terms (if geometric). Use these to find the next term.
• Apply Multiple Operations: Sometimes, sequences involve multiple mathematical operations. Apply each operation step by step to deduce the pattern.
• Use Options: If provided with multiple-choice options, test each option by applying the pattern to see which one fits.

Examples

Example 1: Arithmetic Progression:

Series: 2, 5, 8, 11, …

Next Number: ?

Pattern: Add 3 to each term

Next Number: 14

Example 2: Geometric Progression:

Series: 2, 6, 18, 54, …

Next Number: ?

Pattern: Multiply each term by 3

Next Number: 162

Example 3: Mixed Operations:

Series: 3, 8, 18, 38, …

Next Number: ?

Pattern: Double each term and then add 2

Next Number: 78

Example 4: Pattern with Squares:

Series: 1, 4, 9, 16, …

Next Number: ?

Pattern: Square of consecutive natural numbers

Next Number: 25

Example 5: Prime Numbers:

Series: 2, 3, 5, 7, …

Next Number: ?

Pattern: Consecutive prime numbers

Next Number: 11