Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Below are given two sets of numbers. In each set of numbers, a certain mathematical operation on first number results in the second number. Similarly, a certain mathematical operation on second number results in the third number and so on. Which of the given options follows the same set of operations as in question? (NOTE – A two/three digit number cannot be broken into individual digits for operations, e.g., if 37 is followed by 10, the operation cannot be 3+7 as a two digit number cannot be broken into individual digits.) 15 – 18 – 26 – 22 ; 20 – 23 – 31 – 27 299
8 – 11 – 19 –15
12 – 9 – 17 – 13
14 – 11 – 19 – 15
6 – 9 – 17 – 21
8 – 11 – 19 –15
Identify the repeating sequence of arithmetic changes: +3, +8, -4. Apply this sequence to every option set to see which matches the pattern.
Identify the repeating sequence of arithmetic changes: +3, +8, -4. Apply this sequence to every option set to see which matches the pattern.
Analyze the pattern in the given sets
For the first set (15, 18, 26, 22): 15 + 3 = 18; 18 + 8 = 26; 26 - 4 = 22. For the second set (20, 23, 31, 27): 20 + 3 = 23; 23 + 8 = 31; 31 - 4 = 27. The consistent rule is +3, +8, -4.
Apply the pattern to the options
Applying +3, +8, -4 to Option A (8, 11, 19, 15): 8 + 3 = 11; 11 + 8 = 19; 19 - 4 = 15. This matches perfectly with the logic identified in the question sets.
B: 12-9 is -3, which violates the +3 start; C: 14+3=17 (not 11); D: 6+3=9, 9+8=17, 17+4=21 (the final step is +4, not -4).
A is correct because it follows the sequence of operations (+3, +8, -4) derived from the sample sets.
When faced with series of numbers, always check the difference between consecutive terms first. If differences aren't constant, check if a multi-step repeating cycle is present.