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1 mark

Select the numbers from among the given options that can replace the question marks (?) in the following series.
83,86,91,98,?,122,?

  1. A
    90, 171
  2. B
    92, 173
  3. C
    109, 139
  4. D
    98, 189

Solution & Step-by-step Explanation

Let's look closely at the differences between consecutive numbers in the series:
86−83=3

91−86=5

98−91=7

The differences are successive prime numbers starting from 3 (or successive odd numbers: 3,5,7,…). Let's test both possibilities:

Possibility 1: Consecutive Odd Numbers (3,5,7,9,11,13,…)

Next difference should be 9:

First missing number=98+9=107
Following difference should be 11:

107+11=118

=122
(This logic fails)

Possibility 2: Consecutive Prime Numbers (3,5,7,11,13,17,…)

Next difference should be 11:

First missing number=98+11=109
Following difference should be 13:

109+13=122
(Matches perfectly!)

Next difference should be 17:

Second missing number=122+17=139
The missing numbers are 109 and 139.

Practice this question

Try it yourself before checking the explanation above.

Select the numbers from among the given options that can replace the question marks (?) in the following series.
83,86,91,98,?,122,?
A
90, 171
B
92, 173
C
109, 139
D
98, 189

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