Question

Which number comes next in the series? 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ?

• A. 36
• B. 38
• C. 40
• D. 48

Hint:

Check differences between terms for increasing arithmetic or geometric patterns in number series.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: List the series
The numbers are: 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ?

Step 2: Calculate differences
Find the differences between consecutive terms:
\[ 6 - 3 = 3 \] \[ 11 - 6 = 5 \] \[ 18 - 11 = 7 \] \[ 27 - 18 = 9 \] The differences are: 3, 5, 7, 9.

Step 3: Identify the pattern in differences
The differences increase by 2 each time:
\[ 5 - 3 = 2, \quad 7 - 5 = 2, \quad 9 - 7 = 2 \] The next difference should be: \[ 9 + 2 = 11 \]
Step 4: Find the next term
Add the next difference to the last term: \[ 27 + 11 = 38 \] So, the next number is 38.