Identify next three numbers in this sequence: 2, 6, 3, 9, 6, 18, 15
Identify next three numbers in this sequence: 2, 6, 3, 9, 6, 18, 15
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Sequence Given:
2, 6, 3, 9, 6, 18, 15
Next Three Numbers:
45, 36, 108
Explanation
To identify the next numbers in a sequence, we look for patterns—either arithmetic, geometric, alternating, or a combination. Let’s examine the given sequence:
2, 6, 3, 9, 6, 18, 15
Split the sequence into two interleaved patterns:
- Odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th):
2, 3, 6, 15 - Even positions (2nd, 4th, 6th):
6, 9, 18
Pattern in Odd Positions (2, 3, 6, 15):
We observe the following:
- 2 → 3: +1
- 3 → 6: ×2
- 6 → 15: ×2.5
So it alternates between +1, ×2, ×2.5…
Let’s continue this pattern:
- 15 → next: +3.5 = 18.5? That seems inconsistent.
Wait—let’s try another idea:
Look again:
- 2 → 3: ×1.5
- 3 → 6: ×2
- 6 → 15: ×2.5
This is a better fit: each term is multiplied by increasing 0.5 steps.
If this is correct:
- 15 × 3 = 45
So the next in this subsequence is 45.
Pattern in Even Positions (6, 9, 18):
Let’s look at how these numbers behave:
- 6 → 9: +3 or ×1.5
- 9 → 18: ×2
Try multiplication:
- 6 × 1.5 = 9
- 9 × 2 = 18
So the multipliers are increasing: ×1.5, ×2
Continue:
- 18 × 2.5 = 45
That’s interesting—same number as before! But wait, this is only the 6th term.
So the pattern continues:
- Even position after 18 → 18 × 2.5 = 45
- Next even: 45 × 3 = 135
But since we alternate, the sequence goes:
Odd: 2, 3, 6, 15, 45
Even: 6, 9, 18, 54, 108
So final combined sequence:
2, 6, 3, 9, 6, 18, 15, 45, 36, 108
Answer: 45, 36, 108
Note: 36 is from 18 × 2 (next even position term).
