Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, a number series is given with one term missing. Choose the correct alternative that will continue the same pattern and replace the question mark in the given series. 125, 80, 45, 20, ?

  1. 5

  2. 8

  3. 10

  4. 12

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The series follows a pattern of subtracting multiples of 5: 125 - 45 = 80, 80 - 35 = 45, 45 - 25 = 20, 20 - 15 = 5.

AI explanation

The differences between the consecutive terms are perfect squares. Subtracting the second term from the first gives 125 - 80 = 45, which is 7 squared; subtracting the third term from the second gives 80 - 45 = 35, which is not a perfect square. Recalculating the differences properly: 125 minus 80 is 45, 80 minus 45 is 35, and 45 minus 20 is 25; the differences of these first differences are 10, 10, showing a pattern where the numbers themselves relate to subtraction of squares (125 - 45 = 80 is 6 squared + 9, but actually 125 - 80 is 45, 80 - 45 is 35, 45 - 20 is 25, meaning the subtractions are decreasing by 10). Let's use the correct pattern: 125 minus 5 squared is 100, wait, 125 minus 80 is 45, 80 minus 45 is 35, 45 minus 20 is 25. The next difference must be 15, so 20 minus 15 is 5.