What is the next number in this series: 2, 7, 17, 32, ...?

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2024

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where the difference between consecutive numbers increases by a constant value of 5.
The differences between the given numbers are 5 (7-2), 10 (17-7), and 15 (32-17).
The next logical difference in this arithmetic progression of differences is 15 + 5 = 20.
Adding this next difference to the last term of the series gives the correct answer: 32 + 20 = 52.

Option B: This would result in a difference of 15 (47 - 32), which incorrectly repeats the previous difference instead of continuing the established pattern of increasing the difference by 5.
Option C: This implies a difference of 25 (57 - 32). This skips the next logical difference in the pattern (20) and jumps ahead, breaking the sequence.
Option D: This would mean the difference is 13 (45 - 32), which does not fit the clear pattern of differences being multiples of 5 (5, 10, 15...).

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, the underlying skill of pattern recognition is fundamental in nursing. Nurses use it to interpret trends in vital signs, recognize ECG rhythm changes, and identify subtle shifts in a patient's condition.
For example, a steady increase in a patient's heart rate over several hours is a pattern that can signal developing sepsis or hypovolemia, prompting early intervention.
What if the series was 2, 7, 12, 17...? The pattern would be a simple addition of a constant value (5). The next number would be 22. This highlights the importance of determining if the difference is constant or if the difference itself forms a pattern.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the series carefully: 2, 7, 17, 32.
Calculate the difference between each consecutive pair of numbers to find the underlying rule.
Step 1: 7 - 2 = 5.
Step 2: 17 - 7 = 10.
Step 3: 32 - 17 = 15.
Analyze the sequence of differences you found: 5, 10, 15. Recognize that this is an arithmetic progression, increasing by 5 each time.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full SGPGI Nursing Officer-2024

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