Step 1: Concept
Identifying the logic of the number series by looking at the differences between consecutive terms.
Step 2: Analysis
$2 + 4 = 6$
$6 + 6 = 12$
$12 + 8 = 20$
The difference is increasing by 2 each time (+4, +6, +8...).
Step 3: Calculation
The next difference should be $8 + 2 = 10$.
$20 + 10 = 30$.
Step 4: Verification
The following difference should be $10 + 2 = 12$.
$30 + 12 = 42$ (matches the sequence).
Final Answer: (2)