A series is given, with one or more number missing. Choose the correct alternative from the given ones that will complete the series. 12, 36, 71, 119, 182, ?

The differences between consecutive terms are: 36-12=24, 71-36=35, 119-71=48, 182-119=63. These differences (24, 35, 48, 63) follow the pattern n²+n where n=4,5,6,7. The next difference should be 8²+8=72, giving 182+72=254. Alternatively, the second differences are 11, 13, 15, increasing by 2. The next second difference is 17, making the next first difference 63+17=80. So 182+80=262.