What will come next in the following series

What will come next in the following series? 84 12 32 a) 6 b) 8 c) 5 d) 7

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Let’s analyze the number series:

84, 12, 32, ?

We will look at the differences and patterns between the numbers to determine what comes next.

Step 1: Analyze the pattern between the numbers

First to second term:
84 → 12
Let’s divide 84 by 7:
84 ÷ 7 = 12

Second to third term:
12 → 32
This appears to be an increase.
32 − 12 = 20

Now we have:

  • First operation: 84 ÷ 7 = 12
  • Second operation: 12 + 20 = 32

Let us now attempt to continue this pattern.

If the pattern alternates between division and addition, we might expect the next operation to be a division again.

Step 2: Apply similar logic to get the next term

Third to fourth term:
32 ÷ ? = ?

We need to divide 32 by something to get the correct option from the choices provided:
a) 6
b) 8
c) 5
d) 7

Let’s test each:

  • 32 ÷ 6 = 5.33
  • 32 ÷ 8 = 4
  • 32 ÷ 5 = 6.4
  • 32 ÷ 7 = approximately 4.57

None of these give a whole number.

Let’s consider another pattern: perhaps the operations alternate with a regular change:

  • Step 1: 84 ÷ 7 = 12
  • Step 2: 12 + 20 = 32
  • Step 3: Could the rule be alternating division and addition by a consistent number?

Let’s look at the operations again:

  • First: divide by 7
  • Second: add 20
    If this is the pattern, we may now subtract a constant.

But subtraction after addition is not supported by the current series.

Now let’s test this:

What if it’s alternating division by 7 and addition by 20?

  • 84 ÷ 7 = 12
  • 12 + 20 = 32
  • 32 ÷ 4 = 8

So perhaps the division factor decreases by 3 each time:

  • First division: ÷7
  • Second addition: +20
  • Third division: ÷4
  • Fourth: should be +20 again
    So the next number is:

32 ÷ 4 = 8

Final Answer: (b) 8

This follows the pattern:

  • ÷7, +20, ÷4, then likely +20 again.
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