From the given options, select the right number, which will complete the given series 4, 9, 16, 25, ?

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Explanation

The question asks to find the next number in the series: 4, 9, 16, 25.
The pattern is identified by observing the relationship between consecutive numbers.
Each number in the series is the square of a consecutive integer, starting with 2.
The sequence is: 2² = 4, 3² = 9, 4² = 16, 5² = 25.
Following this pattern, the next number must be the square of 6.
Therefore, the next term is 6² = 36.

Option B: The number 38 is not a perfect square and does not follow the established pattern of squaring consecutive integers.
Option C: The number 43 is a prime number, not a perfect square. It does not fit the sequence.
Option D: The number 46 is not a perfect square and does not align with the pattern of the series.

Visual 1: Infographic: A visual chart showing the sequence of numbers from 2 to 6 and their corresponding squares (2²=4, 3²=9, 4²=16, 5²=25, 6²=36) to illustrate the pattern clearly.

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.
This type of question tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition, which are foundational skills for problem-solving in any field, including nursing.
Nurses use pattern recognition to identify changes in a patient's condition, interpret data from monitoring equipment, and anticipate potential complications.
Strong analytical skills help in making quick, logical decisions during patient care.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the numbers in the given series: 4, 9, 16, 25.
Try to find a mathematical relationship between the numbers. Check for common patterns like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squares, or cubes.
In this case, notice that all the numbers are perfect squares: 4=2², 9=3², 16=4², 25=5².
Identify the underlying sequence of the base numbers: 2, 3, 4, 5. This is a simple sequence of consecutive integers.
To find the next term in the series, continue the pattern. The next base number is 6.
Calculate the square of the next base number: 6² = 36. This is the missing number in the series.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

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