What number should come next in the sequence: 8, 6, 12, 24, 48...?

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

Explanation

The sequence starts with 8 and then 6. The relationship between these two numbers is 8 - 2 = 6.
After this first step, a consistent pattern of multiplying the previous number by 2 emerges.
The pattern is as follows: 6 × 2 = 12; 12 × 2 = 24; 24 × 2 = 48.
This establishes a clear rule of 'doubling' from the second term onwards.
Applying this rule to the last known term, the next number is calculated as 48 × 2 = 96.

Option A: This number does not follow the established pattern of doubling the previous term (48 × 2 = 96).
Option C: This is a possible calculation error. The correct product of 48 and 2 is 96, not 98.
Option D: This number reverses the trend of the sequence, which is increasing exponentially after the second 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.
This type of logical reasoning question assesses critical thinking and pattern recognition, which are essential skills for healthcare professionals.
While not a direct clinical task, these cognitive skills are foundational for interpreting trends in patient data (like vital signs or lab results), anticipating changes in a patient's condition, and making sound clinical judgments.
For example, recognizing a steady increase in a patient's heart rate over several hours is a form of pattern recognition that can signal a worsening condition.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the relationship between each consecutive number in the given sequence.
Look for simple arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Notice that the first step (8 → 6) is different from the subsequent steps. This is a common feature in sequence problems where an initial step is an exception to the main rule.
Identify the dominant pattern: 6 → 12 (×2), 12 → 24 (×2), 24 → 48 (×2). The rule is to multiply by 2.
Apply this established rule to the last number in the sequence (48) to determine the next term.
Calculate 48 × 2 = 96 and select the matching option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QvPje4NUuAFE90J-uQaSCM

Practise the full SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

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