Question

In a list of numbers that start with the number 12, every number is 11 less than twice the number that came before it. What will the fifth number on the list be?

a) 7
b) 17
c) 27
d) 37

Answer 1

To find the fifth number in the sequence, we apply the rule that each number is 11 less than twice its predecessor, starting from 12. Calculating each step reveals that the fifth number in the sequence is 27, which is option c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks us to determine the fifth number in a sequence where each number is 11 less than twice the preceding number, starting with 12. The formula for each subsequent number in the sequence is next number = 2 × (current number) - 11. To find the fifth number, we will calculate each number step-by-step.

1. First number: 12 (given)
2. Second number: 2 × 12 - 11 = 24 - 11 = 13
3. Third number: 2 × 13 - 11 = 26 - 11 = 15
4. Fourth number: 2 × 15 - 11 = 30 - 11 = 19
5. Fifth number: 2 × 19 - 11 = 38 - 11 = 27

The fifth number in the sequence is therefore 27, which corresponds to option c).