Question

What is the next number in the series given below?
3, 5, 5, 3, 7, 1, ?

• A. 6
• B. 12
• C. 9
• D. 8

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Pattern Analysis in the Series 

Step 1: Observe the Pattern in the Series

Consider the following changes in the series:

• 3 to 5 (increase by 2)
• 5 to 5 (no change)
• 5 to 3 (decrease by 2)
• 3 to 7 (increase by 4)
• 7 to 1 (decrease by 6)

Step 2: Identify the Pattern

The series alternates between increasing and decreasing, and the differences increase in magnitude by 2 each time (2, 0, 2, 4, 6).

Step 3: Predict the Next Change

Thus, the next change should be an increase by 8:

\[ 1 + 8 = 9 \]

Final Answer:

The correct answer is (c) 9.