Which of the following numbers will replace the question mark (?) in the given series?
304, 261, 221, 184, ?, 119
- A150
- B161
- C159
- D144
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
Let's find the difference between consecutive numbers in the series:
304−261=43
261−221=40
221−184=37
Notice that the difference decreases by 3 each time (43,40,37,…).
Following this pattern, the next difference should be:
37−3=34
So the missing number is:
184−34=150
Let's double check by finding the next term with a difference of 34−3=31:
150−31=119
This perfectly matches the final term of the series.
304−261=43
261−221=40
221−184=37
Notice that the difference decreases by 3 each time (43,40,37,…).
Following this pattern, the next difference should be:
37−3=34
So the missing number is:
184−34=150
Let's double check by finding the next term with a difference of 34−3=31:
150−31=119
This perfectly matches the final term of the series.