Question

Find the correct number that will complete the series: 14, 26, 36, 44, 50, ____________, 56

• A. 54
• B. None
• C. 48
• D. 52

Hint:

When terms look irregular, examine first-level differences; if they form an arithmetic pattern, extend it to fill the blank.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Check differences.
$26-14=12,\ 36-26=10,\ 44-36=8,\ 50-44=6$ 
Step 2: Spot the pattern.
Differences decrease by \(2\): \(12,10,8,6,\underline{4},2\).
Step 3: Fill the missing term.
Next number $=50+4=54$; then $54+2=56$ \(\Rightarrow\) consistent.
\[\boxed{\text{Missing term }= 54}\]