Look at this series: 14, 28, 20, 40, 32, 64, 26 .... What number should come next?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Explanation

The question requires identifying the pattern in a given number series to find the next term.
The series follows a simple alternating two-step pattern: multiply by 2, then subtract 8.
Starting with 14: 14 × 2 = 28.
Then, 28 - 8 = 20.
This pattern (×2, -8) continues: 20 × 2 = 40; 40 - 8 = 32; 32 × 2 = 64.
The last operation was multiplication (32 × 2 = 64), so the next operation must be subtraction: 64 - 8 = 56.

Option A: The number 52 would be the result of subtracting 12 from 64 (64 - 12 = 52). This is incorrect because the established pattern is to subtract 8, not 12.
Option C: The number 96 does not follow any logical step from 64 based on the established alternating pattern of 'multiply by 2' and 'subtract 8'.
Option D: The number 128 would be the result of multiplying 64 by 2 (64 × 2 = 128). This is incorrect because the pattern dictates that subtraction should follow multiplication.

Visual 1: Flowchart. A flowchart illustrating the alternating '×2' and '-8' operations applied sequentially to the numbers in the series, leading to the final answer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Number Series as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical and analytical reasoning skills, which are fundamental for nurses.
Nurses use pattern recognition daily, for example, in identifying trends in a patient's vital signs, recognizing symptom patterns of a disease, or calculating medication dosages.
Strong reasoning skills are crucial for critical thinking and effective decision-making in complex clinical situations.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the series carefully and look for a simple, consistent pattern between consecutive numbers.
Calculate the difference (subtraction) or ratio (division) between adjacent numbers. For this series: 28/14=2, 28-20=8, 40/20=2, 40-32=8.
Notice if there is one simple pattern (e.g., always add 3) or if there are multiple patterns that alternate.
In this case, you'll see the pattern is not a single operation but an alternating sequence of 'multiply by 2' and 'subtract 8'.
Identify the last operation performed to determine which operation comes next. The last step was 32 × 2 = 64.
Apply the next operation in the sequence (subtract 8) to the last number (64) to find the answer: 64 - 8 = 56.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

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