Question

What number should replace the question mark? The numbers are arranged in a five-row pattern (numbers in each row, left to right):
Row 1 (3 numbers): 4, 3, 2
Row 2 (5 numbers): 5, 3, 5, 1, 1
Row 3 (7 numbers): 6, 1, 2, 8, 3, 3, 1
Row 4 (5 numbers): 7, 2, 8, 4, 3
Row 5 (3 numbers): 9, ?, 3

• A. 1
• B. 4
• C. 12
• D. 6

Hint:

In every row, the middle number equals half the sum of all the other numbers in that row.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Find the pattern using the rows we know completely.
Look at row 1: 4, 3, 2. The middle number is 3. Check: half the sum of the other two numbers is \((4+2)/2=3\), which matches the middle number exactly.

Step 2: Confirm the pattern with a longer row.
Row 2: 5, 3, 5, 1, 1, with middle number 5. Half the sum of the other four numbers is \((5+3+1+1)/2=10/2=5\), which again matches.

Step 3: Confirm with an even longer row.
Row 3: 6, 1, 2, 8, 3, 3, 1, with middle number 8. Half the sum of the other six numbers is \((6+1+2+3+3+1)/2=16/2=8\), which matches again. Row 4 also fits the same rule: middle is 8, and half the sum of 7, 2, 4, 3 is \((7+2+4+3)/2=16/2=8\).

Step 4: Apply the confirmed rule to row 5.
Row 5 has 3 numbers: 9, ?, 3, so it follows the same rule as row 1. Half the sum of the two known numbers is \((9+3)/2=12/2=6\).

Step 5: Final Answer.
The missing middle number is 6, so option D is correct.