Find the next number. 52, 57, 60, 61, 60, ________

Concept: In a number series, first compute the differences between consecutive terms. If that difference sequence itself follows a simple pattern (e.g., decreasing by a constant amount), extend the pattern by one more step and add it to the last given term to find the next number.

1. 57 − 52 = +5

2. 60 − 57 = +3

3. 61 − 60 = +1

4. 60 − 61 = −1

5. The difference sequence so far is +5, +3, +1, −1 — each difference is 2 less than the one before it (a constant second difference of −2).

6. Extending this pattern, the next difference is −1 − 2 = −3.

7. Next term = 60 + (−3) = 57.

Cross-check: the second differences confirm this — (+3) − (+5) = −2, (+1) − (+3) = −2, (−1) − (+1) = −2, and (−3) − (−1) = −2 throughout, so the pattern is consistent and was not misapplied.

So the next number in the series is 57.