Select the number from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.
3,14,20,31,?,48
- A41
- B37
- C40
- D39
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
Let's find the difference between consecutive terms of the series:
14−3=11
20−14=6
31−20=11
We can see an alternating difference pattern of +11 and +6:
Following this pattern, the next difference should be +6:
31+6=37
Let's verify with the next term by adding +11:
37+11=48
The term matches perfectly. Hence, the missing number is 37.
14−3=11
20−14=6
31−20=11
We can see an alternating difference pattern of +11 and +6:
Following this pattern, the next difference should be +6:
31+6=37
Let's verify with the next term by adding +11:
37+11=48
The term matches perfectly. Hence, the missing number is 37.