Math Problem Statement

Which of the following numbers will replace the question mark (?) in the given series? 6, 8, 11, 16, ?, 34, 47, 64

Solution

To determine which number will replace the question mark (?) in the series, let's examine the pattern between the numbers.

Given series: 6, 8, 11, 16, ?, 34, 47, 64

First, let's find the differences between the consecutive terms:

8 - 6 = 2
11 - 8 = 3
16 - 11 = 5
? - 16
34 - ?
47 - 34 = 13
64 - 47 = 17

We can observe the differences: 2, 3, 5, ?, 13, 17.

These differences do not form a straightforward arithmetic sequence, so let's check if they form a pattern of another type. Notably, the differences between the differences (second differences) might reveal a pattern:

3 - 2 = 1
5 - 3 = 2
? - 5
13 - ?
17 - 13 = 4

Looking at these second differences: 1, 2, ?, 4, we can see they increase by 1.

Following this pattern, the second difference that replaces the question mark should be 3 (since 1, 2, 3, 4).

Now, we find the missing first difference:

5 + 3 = 8

So, the first difference before 13 is 8. Hence, the missing term is:

16 + 8 = 24

Thus, the series with the missing number filled in is: 6, 8, 11, 16, 24, 34, 47, 64.

Therefore, the number that will replace the question mark is 24.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 questions you might want to ask:

  1. How do you identify patterns in number sequences?
  2. What are arithmetic and geometric sequences?
  3. How can second differences help identify patterns in sequences?
  4. What are some common types of number series problems?
  5. Can you provide another example of solving a number series problem?

Tip: When solving number sequences, always check for both first differences (differences between consecutive terms) and second differences (differences between first differences) to identify possible patterns.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Sequences
Arithmetic Patterns

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School