Question

7, 3, 10, 17, 27, ? — Find the missing number.

• A. 38
• B. 40
• C. 43
• D. 44 \bigskip

Hint:

For complex series, break it into parts or check secondary level of differences (e.g., difference of differences).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Analyze the pattern of the series.
Given: 7, 3, 10, 17, 27, ?
\[ 7 \to 3 \quad (-4)
3 \to 10 \quad (+7)
10 \to 17 \quad (+7)
17 \to 27 \quad (+10) \] Step 2: Continue the increment pattern.
Increment pattern: -4, +7, +7, +10, ?
It seems: After the first drop, the pattern adds +7, +7, +10 (i.e., now increase by 3)
Next increment likely: +17 (because 7 → 10 → 17 increases by 3 and 7)
But instead, check a simpler pattern from 3rd term onward:
10, 17, 27 → differences are 7, 10
Next: +17 (adding 17 seems too much), more likely: \[ 27 + 17 = 44 \] \bigskip