How to Solve Number Series Questions? Tips & Tricks

How to solve questions on "Number Series"?

(I) Questions on number series give you a series of numbers which are all connected to each other. Once you have identified this pattern, solving the question becomes very simple.

(II) This pattern can be of various kinds. Check the section below for a list of common patterns which are frequently present in the Bank Exam.

(III) Once you have identified the pattern, apply it to the number before/ after the missing number in the series to get the desired answer.

Common Patterns in "Number Series" Questions

(1) Prime Numbers: when numbers are a series of prime numbers (a natural number which is greater than 1 and has no positive divisors other than 1 and the number itself)

For example - 11, 13, 17, 19...

(2) Squares/ Cubes: when numbers are a series of perfect square or cube roots.

For example - 81, 100, 121, 144, 169...

(3) Patterns in differences: Calculate the differences between the numbers given in the series provided in the question. Then try to observe the pattern in the new set of numbers that you have obtained after taking out the difference.

For example - 2, 5, 8, 11, 14... (here the difference between the numbers is 3, hence the next number will be 17)

(4) Pattern in alternate numbers: when there is a pattern between every alternate or third number in the series

For example - 2, 9, 5, 1, 8 , 15, 11....

(5) Geometric series: when each successive number in the series is obtained by multiplying or dividing the previous number by a fixed number.

For example - 5, 45, 405, 3645

(6) Odd one out: when all but one number is part of a series

For example - 5, 10, 12, 15, 20... (Here all numbers except, 12 are multiples of 5)

(7) pattern in adjacent number: when adjacent numbers in the series changes based on a logical pattern.

For example - 2, 4, 12, 48... (Here the first number is multiplied by 2, the second number by 3 and the third number by 4)

(8) Complex series: in some patterns the differences between numbers is dynamic rather than being fixed, but there still is a clear logical rule.

For example - 3, 4, 6, 9, 13, 18.. (Here you can add 1 to the difference between two adjacent items. After the first number add 1, after the second number add 2 and after the third number you can add 3)

(9) Using two or more basic arithmetic functions: in some series more than one operation (+, -, ÷, x) is used.

For example - 5, 7, 14, 16, 32... (here you can add 2, multiply by 2, add 2, multiply by 2, and so on)

(10) Cube roots/ square roots: when the number are a series of cube roots and square roots

For example - 512, 729, 1000... (here the next number in the series will be 1331)

Click Here To Practice On Number Series Question

Thanks 

GradeUp Team