Mathematics/General Ability MCQs
Topic Notes: Mathematics/General Ability
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
51
Identify the missing term in the interleaved series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 7, ...
Answer:
16
There are two intertwined series here. The first one (odd positions) is 1, 3, 5, 7 (+2 each time). The second one (even positions) is a geometric series: 2, 4, 8 (multiplying by 2). The next term follows the second pattern: 8 x 2 = 16.
52
Find the next number in the sequence: 5, 10, 8, 15, 11, 20, 14, ...
Answer:
25
This is an alternating series blending two patterns. The first pattern (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th terms) is 5, 8, 11, 14 (adding 3). The second pattern (2nd, 4th, 6th terms) is 10, 15, 20 (adding 5). The next term continues the second pattern, meaning 20 + 5 = 25.
53
What is the next term in the alternating series: 2, 3, 4, 6, 6, 9, 8, 12, ...?
Answer:
10
This sequence intertwines two distinct series. The first series consists of the numbers at odd positions (2, 4, 6, 8, ...), which increases by 2. The second series sits at even positions (3, 6, 9, 12, ...), increasing by 3. The next required term belongs to the first series, so 8 + 2 = 10.
54
Find the missing number: 3, 5, 9, 17, 33, ...
Answer:
65
The differences between the given numbers are 2, 4, 8, 16, which are powers of 2. The next difference in the sequence must be 32. Adding 32 to the last term 33 results in 65.
55
What will be the next number in the series: 2, 4, 10, 22, 42, ...?
Answer:
72
First, find the differences: 2, 6, 12, 20. These differences do not immediately present a simple pattern. Find the differences of the differences (second-order difference): 4, 6, 8. These increase by 2. The next second-order difference is 10, making the first-order difference 20 + 10 = 30. Finally, 42 + 30 = 72.
56
Identify the next number in the sequence: 8, 13, 23, 43, 83, ...
Answer:
163
Checking the differences gives 5, 10, 20, 40. This is a doubling difference sequence. The next difference will be 40 x 2 = 80. Adding 80 to 83 gives the next term, 163.
57
Which number comes next in the series: 5, 8, 17, 44, 125, ...?
Answer:
368
The gaps between the numbers are 3, 9, 27, 81. These are powers of 3 (3^1, 3^2, 3^3, 3^4). The next difference should be 3^5, which equals 243. Adding 243 to 125 gives 368.
58
Find the next term in the sequence: 4, 6, 10, 18, 34, ...
Answer:
66
The differences between successive terms double at each step: +2, +4, +8, +16. Following this geometric pattern, the next difference is +32. Therefore, 34 + 32 = 66.
59
What is the next number in the series: 3, 4, 12, 39, 103, ...?
Answer:
228
The differences between the terms are 1, 8, 27, and 64, which correspond to the perfect cubes (1^3, 2^3, 3^3, 4^3). The next difference must be 5^3, which is 125. Adding 125 to 103 results in 228.
60
Find the missing number in the series: 1, 2, 6, 15, 31, ...
Answer:
56
The sequence of differences between consecutive terms is 1, 4, 9, 16, which are perfect squares (1^2, 2^2, 3^2, 4^2). The next difference should be 5^2, which is 25. Adding 25 to 31 yields 56.