Question

Find the correct alternative which will replace the question mark in the star diagram. 

• A. 103
• B. 129
• C. 156
• D. 98
• E. 132

Hint:

When you see a central number in a star puzzle, it is almost always the sum of the points. If you are stuck on the progression pattern, try subtracting the known points from the center number to find the missing one!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
In star-shaped number puzzles, the logic typically follows a clockwise or anti-clockwise progression along the points of the star, or a relationship between opposite points. The central number often represents the sum or a specific result of the outer numbers.

Step 1: Identify the progression pattern.
Let's examine the numbers on the points of the star starting from the top and moving clockwise:
• Top point: 9
• Right point: ?
• Bottom-right point: 65
• Bottom-left point: 33
• Left point: 17 Looking at the sequence in reverse (anti-clockwise) starting from 9:
• $9 \to 17$: $(9 \times 2) - 1 = 17$
• $17 \to 33$: $(17 \times 2) - 1 = 33$
• $33 \to 65$: $(33 \times 2) - 1 = 65$ The pattern is (Previous Number $\times$ 2) $- 1$.


Step 2: Calculate the missing value.
Continuing the pattern clockwise from 65 to the question mark: \[ 65 \times 2 - 1 = 130 - 1 = \mathbf{129} \]


Step 3: Verify with the center number (Optional).
If we check the sum of all points: $9 + 17 + 33 + 65 + 129 = 253$. This matches the number in the center of the star, confirming the value of the missing point is indeed 129.