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Question

What will be next number in the series?

0, 1, 4, 27, 16, 125, 36, ?

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

343

Solving the Number Series Pattern

Let's analyze the given number series: 0, 1, 4, 27, 16, 125, 36, ?

To find the next number in this number series, we need to identify the underlying pattern. Let's look at the numbers based on their position in the series (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.).

Identifying the Pattern in the Number Series

Let's separate the terms based on their position being odd or even.

Odd Positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th):

  • 1st term: 0
  • 3rd term: 4
  • 5th term: 16
  • 7th term: 36

Let's see if there's a pattern here. We can relate these numbers to the position number (n):

  • For n=1 (1st term): 0. This could be $(1-1)^2 = 0^2 = 0$.
  • For n=3 (3rd term): 4. This could be $(3-1)^2 = 2^2 = 4$.
  • For n=5 (5th term): 16. This could be $(5-1)^2 = 4^2 = 16$.
  • For n=7 (7th term): 36. This could be $(7-1)^2 = 6^2 = 36$.

It appears that for terms in odd positions (n), the value is given by $\left(n-1\right)^2$. The bases (0, 2, 4, 6) are even numbers increasing by 2.

Even Positions (2nd, 4th, 6th):

  • 2nd term: 1
  • 4th term: 27
  • 6th term: 125

Let's see if there's a pattern here, relating the numbers to the position number (n):

  • For n=2 (2nd term): 1. This could be $(2-1)^3 = 1^3 = 1$.
  • For n=4 (4th term): 27. This could be $(4-1)^3 = 3^3 = 27$.
  • For n=6 (6th term): 125. This could be $(6-1)^3 = 5^3 = 125$.

It appears that for terms in even positions (n), the value is given by $\left(n-1\right)^3$. The bases (1, 3, 5) are odd numbers increasing by 2.

Calculating the Next Number in the Series

The next number in the series is at the 8th position. This is an even position.

Using the pattern for even positions, where n=8, the next number will be:

$\text{8th term} = \left(8-1\right)^3 = 7^3$

$7^3 = 7 \times 7 \times 7 = 49 \times 7$

$49 \times 7 = 343$

So, the next number in the series is 343.

Position (n) Value Pattern Applied
1 (Odd) 0 $(1-1)^2 = 0^2 = 0$
2 (Even) 1 $(2-1)^3 = 1^3 = 1$
3 (Odd) 4 $(3-1)^2 = 2^2 = 4$
4 (Even) 27 $(4-1)^3 = 3^3 = 27$
5 (Odd) 16 $(5-1)^2 = 4^2 = 16$
6 (Even) 125 $(6-1)^3 = 5^3 = 125$
7 (Odd) 36 $(7-1)^2 = 6^2 = 36$
8 (Even) ? $(8-1)^3 = 7^3 = 343$

Final Answer for the Number Series Question

Based on the identified pattern, the next number in the series 0, 1, 4, 27, 16, 125, 36, ? is 343.

Number Series Pattern Revision Table

Understanding different types of number series patterns is crucial for solving such problems. This series uses an alternating pattern based on position.

  • Alternating Patterns: These series involve different rules applied to alternate terms (e.g., odd vs. even positions).
  • Powers: Many series involve squares (n<sup>2</sup>) or cubes (n<sup>3</sup>) of numbers, or related expressions like (n-1)<sup>2</sup> or (n-1)<sup>3</sup>.
  • Arithmetic/Geometric Progression: While this series doesn't fit these simple types, understanding them is fundamental.

Additional Information on Number Series Reasoning

Number series questions are common in logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude tests. They assess your ability to identify patterns and rules within a sequence of numbers. Strategies often involve:

  • Calculating differences between consecutive terms.
  • Calculating ratios between consecutive terms.
  • Looking at alternate terms.
  • Checking for patterns involving squares, cubes, or other powers.
  • Combining multiple operations (e.g., multiplication and addition).
  • Relating terms to their position number.

Practicing with various types of number series helps develop the skill to quickly recognize the underlying rule.

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