Question

The number which lies in place of ? is: \[ \begin{array}{|c|c|c|} \hline 1 & 3 & 5 \\ 5 & 12 & 15 \\ 25 & 48 & ? \\ \hline \end{array} \]

• A. 20
• B. 15
• C. 45
• D. 10

Hint:

Try different row-wise or column-wise patterns (multiplication or difference) to identify consistent transformations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Check pattern column-wise: 

Row 1: 1, 3, 5 
Row 2: 5, 12, 15 
Row 3: 25, 48, ? 

Check differences: \[ 3 - 1 = 2,\quad 12 - 5 = 7,\quad 48 - 25 = 23 \] \[ 5 - 3 = 2,\quad 15 - 12 = 3,\quad ? - 48 = ? \Rightarrow ? = 48 + (15 - 12) = 48 + 3 = \boxed{51} \text{ — but this doesn’t match options.} \] Alternate: Try looking at patterns row-wise: 

1 × 3 = 3, 3 + 2 = 5 
5 × 2 = 10, 10 + 2 = 12 
25 × 2 = 50, 50 - 2 = 48 
So possibly: 48 - 3 = 45