/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 34 Identify a pattern in each list ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Identify a pattern in each list of numbers. Then use this pattern to find the next number. (More than one pattern might exist, so it is possible that there is more than one correct answer.) \(2,6,5,15,14,42,41,123\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Following the identified pattern, the next number in the sequence should be 122.

Step by step solution

01

Pattern Observation

From observing the sequence, there might be two operations occurring alternatively. One is multiplication and the second seems to be subtraction. Let's break down the list into parts to further validate this hypothesis:\nStep 1: \(2 \times 3 = 6\)\nStep 2: \(6 - 1 = 5\)\nStep 3: \(5 \times 3 = 15\)\nStep 4: \(15 - 1 = 14\)\nStep 5: \(14 \times 3 = 42\)\nStep 6: \(42 - 1 = 41\)\nStep 7: \(41 \times 3 = 123\)\nAs per this pattern and based on the operations above, the sequence alternates between multiplying the current number by 3 and subtracting 1 from the result.
02

Implementing Pattern

Following this established pattern, for the next number in the sequence we need to subtract 1. Hence the next number will be \(123 - 1 = 122\).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Pattern Recognition
Recognizing patterns in a sequence of numbers is like finding a hidden code. You begin by carefully examining the numbers and try to understand how one number transitions into the next. In the given sequence
  • 2, 6, 5, 15, 14, 42, 41, 123
there's an underlying pattern that isn't immediately obvious. The first step is to check if there's a consistent change or operation when you move from one number to the next.
To solve this problem, look for common mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Approach the sequence with curiosity, examining each transition to see if it involves one or multiple operations alternating throughout the list.
Alternating Operations
Alternating operations mean that different operations take turns being applied to create the next number in the sequence. In this example, the two alternating operations are multiplication and subtraction.
Notice how the sequence switches between multiplying and subtracting:
  • Multiply by 3 to transition from 2 to 6.
  • Subtract 1 to go from 6 to 5.
  • Multiply by 3 to transition from 5 to 15.
  • Subtract 1 to go from 15 to 14.
  • Multiply by 3 to transition from 14 to 42.
  • Subtract 1 to go from 42 to 41.
The key here is tracing the steps and seeing how these operations alternate, establishing a predictable pattern that can be applied to any part of the sequence. For students, recognizing alternating operations helps in understanding complex sequences not defined by a single operation.
Multiplication
Multiplication is one of the core operations in this number sequence. Multiplying a number by another changes its size, scaling it either up or down. In our pattern:
  • The process starts with multiplying each number by 3. E.g., 2 becomes 6 (since 2 \(\times\) 3 is 6).
  • Continuing this multiplication, 5 becomes 15, and later on, 14 becomes 42.
Understanding multiplication means seeing how it is used to grow or scale up each number at particular points in the sequence. By pinpointing which numbers to multiply, we maintain the sequence's structure. Ensure you grasp why multiplication at these steps maintains the alternating pattern.
Subtraction
Subtraction is the operation of removing a number from another. In this sequence, subtraction alternates with multiplication to create a unique pattern. Each subtraction step is straightforward:
  • After multiplying, the following number subtracts 1. E.g., 6 becomes 5 with 6 - 1 = 5.
  • Likewise, 15 becomes 14, 42 becomes 41, etc.
The subtraction is simple but crucial as it balances the multiplication operation. It gently reduces the number, preparing it for the next sequence multiplication. Understanding these alternating steps in subtraction helps us fill in the missing parts of the sequence. It teaches how to apply basic math operations in practical situations. By fully grasping subtraction's role, students can predict subsequent values in an alternating pattern sequence.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Stereotyping refers to classifying people, places, or things according to common traits. Prejudices and stereotypes can function as assumptions in our thinking, appearing in inductive and deductive reasoning. For example, it is not difficult to find inductive reasoning that results in generalizations such as these, as well as deductive reasoning in which these stereotypes serve as assumptions: School has nothing to do with life. Intellectuals are nerds. People on welfare are lazy. Each group member should find one example of inductive reasoning and one example of deductive reasoning in which stereotyping occurs. Upon returning to the group, present each example and then describe how the stereotyping results in faulty conjectures or prejudging situations and people.

Jose, Bob, and Tony are college students living in adjacent dorm rooms. Bob lives in the middle dorm room. Their majors are business, psychology, and biology, although not necessarily in that order. The business major frequently uses the new computer in Bob's dorm room when Bob is in class. The psychology major and Jose both have 8 A.M. classes, and the psychology major knocks on Jose's wall to make sure he is awake. Determine Bob's major.

Use Polya's four-step method in problem solving to solve. The members of the Student Activity Council on your campus are meeting to select two speakers for a month-long event celebrating artists and entertainers. The choices are Johnny Depp, Jamie Foxx, Jon Stewart, and Hilary Swank. How many different ways can the two speakers be selected?

Determine whether each statement makes sense or does not make sense, and explain your reasoning. When I get bogged down with a problem, there's no limit to the amount of time I should spend trying to solve it.

Obtain an estimate for each computation by rounding the numbers so that the resulting arithmetic can easily be performed by hand or in your head. Then use a calculator to perform the computation. How reasonable is your estimate when compared to the actual answer? \(248+797\)

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Math Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.