Question

What comes next in the sequence?
2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ______

• A. 36
• B. 50
• C. 56
• D. 42

Hint:

When the differences between terms in a sequence follow a pattern, use that pattern to predict the next term.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Let's observe the difference between consecutive terms in the sequence: \[ 6 - 2 = 4, 12 - 6 = 6, 20 - 12 = 8, 30 - 20 = 10 \] The differences between consecutive terms are increasing by 2. The next difference should be 12. Thus, the next term is: \[ 30 + 12 = 42 \] Thus, the number that comes next in the sequence is \( \boxed{42} \).