All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

In the following question, select the missing number from the given series.

33, 10, 43, 53, 96, ?

The correct answer is

149

Understanding Number Series Problems

Number series questions require identifying a specific pattern or rule that connects the numbers in the given sequence. Once the pattern is found, it can be applied to find the missing number.

The given series is: 33, 10, 43, 53, 96, ?

Analyzing the Pattern in the Series

Let's examine the relationship between consecutive numbers in the series.

  • Looking at the first few terms: 33, 10. There isn't an obvious simple arithmetic progression (addition or subtraction).
  • Let's try combining previous terms. Consider the possibility that terms are generated by combining earlier terms.

Let's test if a term is the sum of the previous two terms:

  • Is the 3rd term (43) the sum of the 1st (33) and 2nd (10) terms?
    \(33 + 10 = 43\). Yes, it is.
  • Is the 4th term (53) the sum of the 2nd (10) and 3rd (43) terms?
    \(10 + 43 = 53\). Yes, it is.
  • Is the 5th term (96) the sum of the 3rd (43) and 4th (53) terms?
    \(43 + 53 = 96\). Yes, it is.

The pattern is clear: starting from the third term, each term is the sum of the two preceding terms.

Calculating the Missing Number

Following this identified pattern, the missing number (which is the 6th term) will be the sum of the 4th term (53) and the 5th term (96).

Missing Number = Term 4 + Term 5

Missing Number = \(53 + 96\)

Let's perform the addition:

\(53 + 96 = 149\)

So, the missing number in the series is 149.

Summary of the Series Pattern

Term Number Value Pattern Applied
1st 33 Given
2nd 10 Given
3rd 43 1st Term + 2nd Term (\(33 + 10\))
4th 53 2nd Term + 3rd Term (\(10 + 43\))
5th 96 3rd Term + 4th Term (\(43 + 53\))
6th ? 4th Term + 5th Term (\(53 + 96\))

The missing term is 149.

Revision Table: Key Concepts for Number Series

Concept Description Example Pattern Types
Arithmetic Progression Each term is obtained by adding or subtracting a constant value from the previous term. Addition, Subtraction
Geometric Progression Each term is obtained by multiplying or dividing the previous term by a constant value. Multiplication, Division
Difference Series The differences between consecutive terms form another pattern (e.g., arithmetic progression, squares, cubes). Differences increasing by a constant, Differences are squares/cubes
Mixed Operations Series A combination of operations (e.g., add then multiply, multiply then subtract). \( \times n + m, \times n - m \)
Fibonacci-like Series Each term is the sum (or other combination) of previous terms. Sum of previous two terms, Sum of previous three terms

Additional Information: Solving Number Series Problems

Solving number series questions often involves a systematic approach:

  • Observe the Trend: See if the numbers are increasing, decreasing, or alternating. This gives a hint about the type of operations involved (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
  • Calculate Differences: Find the differences between consecutive terms. If the differences form a pattern, it's a difference series. You might need to find the differences of the differences (second-order differences).
  • Calculate Ratios: If the series involves multiplication or division, look at the ratios between consecutive terms.
  • Check for Squares/Cubes: Sometimes the pattern involves squares or cubes of numbers, or numbers close to squares/cubes.
  • Look for Combinations: The pattern might be a combination of operations (e.g., multiply by 2 and add 1).
  • Fibonacci or Similar: Check if terms are related to the sum or difference of previous terms.
  • Alternating Pattern: Some series have two different patterns alternating or applied to alternate terms.

Practice with various types of series is key to quickly identifying patterns.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Number Series

  1. Select the number from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.

    37, 52, 74, 104, 143, ?

  2. Select the number that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.

    17, 19, 22, 27, 34, 45, 58,?
  3. Select the number from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.

    10, 14, 31, 35, 73, 77, ?

  4. Select the number from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.

    215, 231, 256, 292, ?

  5. Select the number from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.

    6, 6, 8, 24, 28, 140, ?

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App