142, 150, 123, 187, 62, ?

In the following question, select the missing number from the given series.
142, 150, 123, 187, 62, ?

a) 281
b) 285
c) 278
d) 300

Ans : 278

SSC GD 20 Feb 2024 (Shift I)

Solution:

142, 150, 123, 187, 62, ?

We need to identify the pattern between the numbers:

1. 142 to 150: The difference is 150−142=+8
2. 150 to 123: The difference is 123−150=−27
3. 123 to 187: The difference is 187−123=+64
4. 187 to 62: The difference is 62−187=−125

Difference is 8(2³), -27(-3³), 64(4³), -125(-5³)
Next difference should be +6³ = 216
Next term in the sequence is 62+216 =278