To find the missing number in the set $4, 8, \ldots, 14, 16$, we can look for a pattern.

1. The first two numbers are $4$ and $8$.
2. The difference between $8$ and $4$ is $4$.
3. If we continue this pattern, we can add $4$ to $8$ to find the missing number:

$8 + 4 = 12$

Now, the complete set is $4, 8, 12, 14, 16$.

Thus, the missing number is 12.

Would you like further details or explanations on this? Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

1. What other patterns could be formed with the same numbers?
2. How would the set change if we included negative numbers?
3. Can you identify the missing number if the sequence were different (e.g., $4, 8, 12, 16$)?
4. What would happen if the sequence increased by a different number?
5. How can sequences be represented using algebraic expressions?

Tip: When identifying patterns, always look at the differences between consecutive numbers.