Question

Find the missing number in the series: 4, 9, 16, 25, ?

• A. 30
• B. 35
• C. 36
• D. 40

Hint:

Always check for squares or cubes first in simple number series.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the Concept
This problem involves identifying a pattern within a numerical sequence. By observing the numbers 4, 9, 16, and 25, we can see that each number is the result of multiplying a natural number by itself. This means the series is specifically built using the squares of consecutive natural numbers starting from 2.

Step 2: Analysis of the Series
Let's break down the given numbers to find the base values:
* The first number is 4, which is $2^2$ ($2 \times 2$)
* The second number is 9, which is $3^2$ ($3 \times 3$)
* The third number is 16, which is $4^2$ ($4 \times 4$)
* The fourth number is 25, which is $5^2$ ($5 \times 5$)
The sequence of base numbers being squared is 2, 3, 4, 5.

Step 3: Conclusion
Following the established pattern of consecutive natural numbers, the next base number after 5 is 6. To find the missing number in the series, we must calculate the square of 6:
Next number = $6^2 = 36$.
Therefore, the missing number that completes the pattern is 36.

Final Answer: (C)