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

Appeared in: RML 2023

Explanation

The question presents a sequence of numbers and asks for the next term in the sequence.
By observing the difference between consecutive terms (58 - 52 = 6, 52 - 46 = 6), it's clear the series follows a pattern of subtracting 6 from the preceding number.
Applying this rule to the last term, 34, gives the next number: 34 - 6 = 28.

Option A: This is incorrect. Subtracting 6 from 34 gives 28. The number 26 would be the term after 28 (28 - 6 = 22), not the one immediately following 34.
Option C: This is incorrect. This would imply a subtraction of 4 from the last term (34 - 4 = 30), which breaks the established and consistent pattern of subtracting 6.
Option D: This is incorrect. This would imply a subtraction of 2 from the last term (34 - 2 = 32), which is inconsistent with the series' constant difference of 6.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Number Series and Arithmetic Progression as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, this type of logical reasoning is a foundational skill for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Problem-solving skills are crucial in clinical settings for tasks like calculating drug dosages, interpreting trends in vital signs, and making quick, logical decisions under pressure.
What if the series was ascending? If the series was 34, 40, 46, 52, 58..., the rule would be to add 6, and the next number would be 58 + 6 = 64.

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) and then between the next pair (52 - 46 = 6).
Confirm if this difference is consistent throughout the series. Here, each number is 6 less than the previous one.
Identify this consistent operation as the rule of the series (subtract 6).
Apply this rule to the last number in the series (34) to find the next term: 34 - 6.
Select the option that matches your calculated result (28).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RML 2023

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