Look at the series 58, 52, 46, 40, 34...... What number should come next?

Appeared in: RML Lucknow - 2021

Explanation

The question presents a number series and asks for the next term, which requires identifying the underlying mathematical pattern.
The series is an arithmetic progression, where each subsequent number is obtained by subtracting a fixed value from the previous number.
The constant difference between the terms is 6 (e.g., 58 - 6 = 52; 52 - 6 = 46).
Applying this rule to the last term (34), the next number is calculated as 34 - 6 = 28.

Option A: This would be the result of subtracting 8 from 34, which breaks the established pattern of subtracting 6.
Option C: This would be the result of subtracting 4 from 34, which is inconsistent with the series' common difference of 6.
Option D: This would be the result of subtracting 2 from 34. The pattern clearly shows a subtraction of 6 at each step.

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 not a clinical question, this type of logical reasoning is a fundamental skill for nurses.
Nurses use pattern recognition daily to identify trends in patient vital signs, symptom progression, or lab results, which is crucial for early detection of patient deterioration.
What if the series was 58, 52, 47, 43...? The pattern would no longer be a simple arithmetic progression. It would be a mixed pattern (e.g., -6, -5, -4), and the next subtraction would be -3, making the next number 40.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the given sequence of numbers: 58, 52, 46, 40, 34.
Calculate the difference between the first two numbers (58 - 52 = 6).
Verify if this difference is consistent for the rest of the series (52 - 46 = 6; 46 - 40 = 6; 40 - 34 = 6).
Once the consistent pattern (subtracting 6) is confirmed, apply it to the last number in the series.
Calculate the next term by subtracting 6 from 34 (34 - 6 = 28).
Compare your result with the given options and select the matching one.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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