Final answer:
In the arithmetic sequence given, each number is 6 less than the one before. By subtracting 6 from 54, we find that the next number is 48, which corresponds to option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the next number in a series, we need to establish a pattern by looking at the differences between consecutive numbers. Let's analyze the given series: 78, 72, 66, 60, 54 We will find the difference between each pair of consecutive numbers: 72 - 78 = -6 66 - 72 = -6 60 - 66 = -6 54 - 60 = -6
It is clear that the pattern involves subtracting 6 from the previous number to get the next one in the series. Now that we have recognized the pattern, we can apply it to find the next number after 54. Following the pattern, we take the last number in the series, 54, and subtract 6: 54 - 6 = 48 Therefore, the next number in the series is 48. The correct answer is: a) 48