2, 4, 6, 10, 16, 26, ? Find the next number in the series.
2026
2, 4, 6, 10, 16, 26, ? Find the next number in the series.
- A.
42
- B.
39
- C.
40
- D.
41
Attempted by 37 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A, D
This is an additive number series (a Fibonacci-type pattern), where each term equals the sum of the two terms immediately before it: term(n) = term(n-1) + term(n-2). To extend such a series, you compute this sum at each step.
2 + 4 = 6
4 + 6 = 10
6 + 10 = 16
10 + 16 = 26
16 + 26 = 42
This addition rule holds consistently at every step from the very first pair of terms through to the last given term, confirming it is the governing pattern of the entire series.
Therefore, the next number in the series is 42.