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A Number Series is a sequence of numbers that follows a specific mathematical rule or pattern. This pattern remains the same throughout the entire list of numbers. For example, in the series 2, 4, 6, 8, the rule is simply adding 2 to the previous number. To solve these questions, your primary goal is to identify this hidden logic. Once you find the logic, you can easily find any missing number. There are several ways numbers relate to each other in a series.

Concepts (4)

In this series, the difference between any two consecutive numbers is constant. It involves simple addition or subtraction. For example, in 10, 13, 16, 19, the difference is always +3.

In this series, the difference between any two consecutive numbers is constant. It involves simple addition or subtraction. For example, in 10, 13, 16, 19, the difference is always +3. If the difference changes steadily, like +2, +4, +6, it is called a changing difference series.

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This series is formed by multiplying or dividing the previous term by a fixed number. The numbers grow or shrink very quickly. Example: 5, 10, 20, 40. Here, each number is multiplied by 2. UPSC often uses decimals like 0.5 or 1.5 in these series.

This series is formed by multiplying or dividing the previous term by a fixed number. The numbers grow or shrink very quickly. Example: 5, 10, 20, 40. Here, each number is multiplied by 2. UPSC often uses decimals like 0.5 or 1.5 in these series.

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This involves more than one mathematical operation. It could be (Multiplication + Addition) or (Multiplication + Subtraction). Example: 2, 5, 11, 23. The logic is (Previous Number x 2) + 1. These are very common in competitive exams.

This involves more than one mathematical operation. It could be (Multiplication + Addition) or (Multiplication + Subtraction). Example: 2, 5, 11, 23. The logic is (Previous Number x 2) + 1. These are very common in competitive exams.

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The numbers in this series are related to the squares or cubes of natural numbers. Sometimes a constant is added or subtracted from the square. Example: 4, 9, 16, 25 are perfect squares. Example 2: 5, 10, 17, 26 are (square + 1) patterns.

The numbers in this series are related to the squares or cubes of natural numbers. Sometimes a constant is added or subtracted from the square. Example: 4, 9, 16, 25 are perfect squares. Example 2: 5, 10, 17, 26 are (square + 1) patterns.

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Start Lesson: Arithmetic (Difference) Series