Question

Which number will replace the question mark?
3, 6, 18, 72, ?

• A. 144
• B. 288
• C. 360
• D. 216

Hint:

Check for multiplication or exponential patterns in consecutive terms of a number series before trying complex logic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Observe the series terms.
We are given: \(3,\ 6,\ 18,\ 72,\ ?\)
Step 2: Identify the pattern in multipliers. \[ \begin{aligned} 3 \times 2 &= 6
6 \times 3 &= 18
18 \times 4 &= 72
\Rightarrow 72 \times 4 &= 288 \end{aligned} \] Step 3: Validate the consistent multiplier pattern.
The pattern follows: \[ \text{×2},\ \text{×3},\ \text{×4},\ \text{×4} \] Hence, the missing number is: \[ \boxed{288} \]