Guess the next number in this series - 150,170,155,160,180,165,?

Appeared in: NORCET 6 Prelims -2024

Explanation

Option A: This number does not fit the established (+20, -15, +5) pattern. Applying the next step of the pattern (+5) to the last number (165) results in 170, not 130.
Option B: This is the first number in the series, but not the next one. It does not follow the logical progression of the established pattern.
Option C: This is the fourth number in the series. The series has already progressed past this point, and it is not the next number in the sequence according to the pattern.

Visual 1: Flowchart - A flowchart illustrating the repeating pattern of operations (+20, -15, +5) applied to the number series to arrive at the next term.

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.
While this is a general aptitude question, strong logical reasoning and pattern recognition skills are essential for nurses.
Nurses use pattern recognition to identify trends in patient vital signs, lab results, and symptoms, which is crucial for early detection of patient deterioration.
For example, recognizing a pattern of slowly decreasing blood pressure and increasing heart rate can indicate developing shock, prompting timely intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, examine the series to identify the relationship between consecutive numbers.
Calculate the difference between each pair of numbers: 170 - 150 = +20; 155 - 170 = -15; 160 - 155 = +5; 180 - 160 = +20; 165 - 180 = -15.
Observe that a pattern of operations (+20, -15, +5) is repeating.
Identify where the series left off in the pattern. The last operation was -15.
Apply the next operation in the sequence (+5) to the last number (165).
Calculate 165 + 5 to find the correct next number in the series.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 6 Prelims -2024

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