Find the missing number in the following series:

10, 34, 106, _? _ 970

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

The series follows the mathematical pattern: (Previous Number × 3) + 4.
Applying this pattern to the first term: 10 × 3 + 4 = 34.
Continuing the pattern with the second term: 34 × 3 + 4 = 106.
The missing number is found by applying the rule to the third term: 106 × 3 + 4 = 318 + 4 = 322.
To confirm, applying the rule to the result should yield the final term: 322 × 3 + 4 = 966 + 4 = 970. This verifies the pattern is correct.

Option B: This value does not fit the established pattern of (x × 3) + 4. It is likely the result of a calculation error.
Option C: This value is incorrect as it does not follow the series' rule of multiplying by 3 and adding 4.
Option D: This value is incorrect. It does not conform to the consistent pattern identified in the series.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Number Series Pattern Recognition as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Number series questions assess logical reasoning and pattern recognition, skills crucial for nurses in interpreting trends in patient data, such as vital signs or lab results over time.
Proficiency in quick mental calculations is essential for tasks like medication dosage adjustments and IV drip rate calculations, where accuracy is critical for patient safety.
What if? If the series decreased instead of increasing, the pattern would likely involve subtraction or division. For example, if the series was 970, 322, 106..., the inverse pattern would be (Previous Number - 4) ÷ 3.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between consecutive numbers in the series: 10, 34, 106, __, 970.
Observe the rapid increase in values, which strongly suggests that multiplication is part of the pattern, possibly combined with another operation like addition or subtraction.
Test a simple multiplication factor. Notice that 34 is a little more than 10 × 3, and 106 is a little more than 34 × 3.
Formulate a hypothesis based on this observation. Let's test the rule: (Previous Number × 3) + a constant. For the first step: (10 × 3) + 4 = 34.
Verify if this rule, (x × 3) + 4, applies to the next term: (34 × 3) + 4 = 102 + 4 = 106. The rule is consistent.
Apply the confirmed rule to find the missing number: (106 × 3) + 4 = 322.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q9Ur1VC5Nb1oc0B7MVMgRx

Practise the full NVS- 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.