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Quantitative Reasoning · Medium · 6 of 17

Number Series puzzle #6 (medium)

Which number comes next? Tap an option to check your answer, or show the answer for the step-by-step solution. Rule in play: two interleaved series.

Plate 06 / 17 · Medium

Which number comes next?

13, 21, 18, 19, 23, ?

Tap the option you think is right, or show the answer.

Show the answer

The next number is 17 (option 3).

How to solve it

  1. The gaps jump around, so look at every other number.
  2. The 1st, 3rd, 5th numbers (13, 18, 23) go up by 5 each time.
  3. The 2nd, 4th, 6th numbers (21, 19) go down by 2 each time.
  4. The missing number continues the second series: 19 - 2 = 17.
Fig. 1: Number Series #6, medium set. Tap an option to check it.

About this puzzle

Medium series use gaps that grow, square numbers, or two series taking turns. It was generated by the same engine that builds the IQ Octopus test, from a fixed seed, so it stays the same every time you visit. In the real test, items like this are generated fresh for every attempt.

New to this format? Read how to solve them, or time yourself on 10 in a row with the practice test.

25 puzzles · about 12 min

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