Final answer:
The sequence given does not follow a clear arithmetic or geometric pattern, making it impossible to confidently predict the next number without additional context or rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the next number in the sequence, we need to look for a pattern. Looking at the sequence, we can see that the numbers alternate between increasing and decreasing. The pattern seems to be that the numbers increase by 5, then decrease by 1.
Starting with 2, the next number would be 2 + 5 = 7. Then, 7 + 1 = 8. Continuing this pattern, the next number would be 8 + 5 = 13.
So, the next number in the sequence is 13.To determine the next number in the sequence 2, 7, 8, 3, 12, 9, one approach is to look for patterns such as arithmetic or geometric progressions, or any repeating patterns in differences or ratios between terms. However, this sequence does not follow a simple arithmetic or geometric pattern, and no immediate pattern is discernible. Without a clear rule or formula given for the sequence, or additional context, it is not possible to confidently predict the next number in the sequence.