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Find the Missing Number: 6, 12, 21, ?, 48
Published on September 21, 2024
Pre-Algebra
This math problem presents a sequence of numbers: 6, 12, 21, ?, 48. The goal is to identify the pattern and determine the missing number. By analyzing the differences between consecutive numbers, we discover a pattern of increasing by 3. Applying this pattern, we find the missing number to be 33.
Question
Answer
Let’s break down this sequence and find the pattern to determine the missing number.
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Examine the differences:
- The difference between 6 and 12 is 6.
- The difference between 12 and 21 is 9.
- The difference between 21 and ? is unknown.
- The difference between ? and 48 is unknown.
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Identify a potential pattern:
- The differences we calculated (6 and 9) suggest a possible pattern of increasing by 3.
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Test the pattern:
- If the pattern holds, the difference between 21 and the missing number should be 12 (9 + 3).
- This would make the missing number 21 + 12 = 33.
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Confirm the pattern:
- If the missing number is 33, the difference between it and 48 would be 15 (12 + 3), which fits our pattern.
Therefore, the missing number is 33.
The complete sequence is: 6, 12, 21, 33, 48.