At a Ludhiana test centre, seat numbers follow 143, 156, 169, 182, ... . What is the 9th seat number in this sequence?

The common difference is 13. The 9th term is 143 + 8 × 13 = 247.

Which value replaces the blank in 8, 22, 64, ?, 568, 1702?

Each term is the previous term × 3 − 2. Thus 64 × 3 − 2 = 190, and 190 × 3 − 2 = 568.

Complete the list: 122, 170, 226, 290, ?.

These are 11² + 1, 13² + 1, 15² + 1 and 17² + 1. Next is 19² + 1 = 362.

Gurleen separates the odd and even positions of 12, 320, 17, 160, 26, 80, 39, 40, ?, ? . Which pair fills the blanks in order?

(56, 20). Odd-position terms have differences 5, 9, 13, 17, giving 39 + 17 = 56. Even-position terms halve, giving 40 ÷ 2 = 20.

A machine displays 32, 48, 72, 108, ? in successive cycles. Select its next display.

Multiply by 3/2 each time. Hence 108 × 3 ÷ 2 = 162.

One entry breaks the pattern in 18, 24, 34, 48, 68, 88. Identify that entry.

The differences should be 6, 10, 14, 18, 22. Therefore 48 + 18 = 66 should replace 68, and 66 + 22 = 88.

Among consecutive prime numbers, Aman has written 41, 43, ?, 53, 59. Which number has he omitted?

The consecutive primes are 41, 43, 47, 53, 59. The omitted number is 47.

Find the missing internal term: 21, 25, ?, 49, 81, 145.

The differences double: 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. Thus the missing term is 25 + 8 = 33.

Harpreet uses the sum of the preceding two entries to continue 9, 14, 23, 37, ?, 97. What belongs in the gap?

Add the preceding two terms: 23 + 37 = 60. The check is 37 + 60 = 97.

The same step pattern connects 7, 8, 18, 57, 232, ? . Determine the final term.

The operations are ×1 + 1, ×2 + 2, ×3 + 3 and ×4 + 4. Next, 232 × 5 + 5 = 1165.

Choose the continuation of 120, 336, 720, 1320, ?.

The terms are n³ − n for n = 5, 7, 9, 11. The next base is 13, so 13³ − 13 = 2184.

An instrument records −1458, −486, −162, −54, ? . What is its next reading?

-18. Divide each term by 3. Therefore −54 ÷ 3 = −18.

In 31, 36, 45, 60, 83, ?, the differences themselves follow a pattern. Supply the missing value.

The first differences are 5, 9, 15, 23; their increases are 4, 6, 8. The next increase is 10, so 83 + 33 = 116.

Two familiar power sequences are interwoven: 16, 27, 25, 64, 36, 125, 49, ? . Which value comes next?

Odd positions contain 4², 5², 6², 7²; even positions contain 3³, 4³, 5³, 6³. The required value is 6³ = 216.

Riya copied a ×4 series as 7, 28, 112, 446, 1792. Which copied number needs correction?

112 × 4 = 448 and 448 × 4 = 1792. Hence 446 is the incorrect entry.

A display alternates two operations: 6, 18, 14, 42, 38, 114, ? . Select the missing reading.

The operations alternate ×3 and −4. After 38 × 3 = 114, subtract 4 to get 110.

Determine the missing pair in 30, 24, 130, 120, 350, 336, ?, ? by considering paired cube adjustments.

Each odd base supplies n³ + n followed by n³ − n, using bases 3, 5, 7, then 9. The pair is (9³ + 9, 9³ − 9) = (738, 720).

What replaces ? in 180, 161, 144, 131, 120, ? if successive prime numbers are subtracted in descending order?

The subtractions are 19, 17, 13, 11, then 7. Hence 120 − 7 = 113.

A decreasing sequence reads 286, 269, ?, 235, 218. Fill its vacant position.

Subtract 17 at each step. The missing term is 269 − 17 = 252.

Meera divides by a different prime at each step: 30030, 15015, 5005, 1001, 143, ? . Find the next quotient.

The divisors are consecutive primes 2, 3, 5, 7, 11. The next quotient is 143 ÷ 11 = 13.

Identify the two numbers that follow 4, 90, 7, 82, 11, 72, 18, 60, 29, 46 in the same order.

(47, 30). Odd positions follow 4, 7, 11, 18, 29, so the next is 18 + 29 = 47. Even positions decrease by 8, 10, 12, 14, then 16, giving 46 − 16 = 30.

The terms 310, 261, 225, 200, 184, ? decrease by a recognisable family of numbers. Choose the next term.

Subtract 7², 6², 5², 4², then 3². Therefore 184 − 9 = 175.

For the progression 630, 310, 150, 70, 30, ?, which result fits every transition?

Each step is ÷2 − 5. Thus 30 ÷ 2 − 5 = 10.

Exactly one term is incorrect in 6, 11, 32, 121, 601, 3601. Which term is it?

Use ×2 − 1, ×3 − 2, ×4 − 3, ×5 − 4, ×6 − 5. The corrected third term is 11 × 3 − 2 = 31, so 32 is wrong; 31 × 4 − 3 = 121.

Continue the zigzag sequence 50, 53, 47, 59, 35, ?.

The signed differences are +3, −6, +12, −24, then +48. Hence 35 + 48 = 83.

Topic

Number Series MCQ – Part 1 - Topic Guide and MCQs

Part of Reasoning > 01 Number Series - 25 questions, about 25 min, with an explanation after every answer.

Question count

about 25 min

Estimated time

Mixed

Difficulty

02 Nov 2026

Last updated

Quick answer

Number Series MCQ – Part 1 is a topic inside Reasoning (01 Number Series). It runs 25 untimed MCQs - roughly 25 min - and the review explains every answer once you submit.

Topic introduction

What Number Series MCQ – Part 1 covers

The shape of the set before you start it.

Number Series MCQ – Part 1 sits inside Reasoning, under the 01 Number Series lane, and the portal keeps it as one self-contained set: 25 questions, four options each, no clock and a written explanation behind every answer.

Attempt it once to find the gaps, read why each distractor is wrong, then retake the same set a few days later. The questions you miss twice are the ones worth writing down.

Curated by Gurpreet Singh · Punjab Police SI, Rank 2 (713/800) · Founder, House of Aspirants · Read his story →

Question bank

Number Series MCQ – Part 1: all 25 questions

Read the question, pick an option, then open the answer.

At a Ludhiana test centre, seat numbers follow 143, 156, 169, 182, ... . What is the 9th seat number in this sequence?
1. 234
2. 260
3. 239
4. 247
Show answer

Answer: (D) 247

Explanation: The common difference is 13. The 9th term is 143 + 8 × 13 = 247.
Which value replaces the blank in 8, 22, 64, ?, 568, 1702?
1. 194
2. 192
3. 188
4. 190
Show answer

Answer: (D) 190

Explanation: Each term is the previous term × 3 − 2. Thus 64 × 3 − 2 = 190, and 190 × 3 − 2 = 568.
Complete the list: 122, 170, 226, 290, ?.
1. 400
2. 362
3. 324
4. 360
Show answer

Answer: (B) 362

Explanation: These are 11² + 1, 13² + 1, 15² + 1 and 17² + 1. Next is 19² + 1 = 362.
Gurleen separates the odd and even positions of 12, 320, 17, 160, 26, 80, 39, 40, ?, ? . Which pair fills the blanks in order?
1. (52, 20)
2. (56, 10)
3. (56, 20)
4. (54, 40)
Show answer

Answer: (C) (56, 20)

Explanation: Odd-position terms have differences 5, 9, 13, 17, giving 39 + 17 = 56. Even-position terms halve, giving 40 ÷ 2 = 20.
A machine displays 32, 48, 72, 108, ? in successive cycles. Select its next display.
1. 156
2. 216
3. 144
4. 162
Show answer

Answer: (D) 162

Explanation: Multiply by 3/2 each time. Hence 108 × 3 ÷ 2 = 162.
One entry breaks the pattern in 18, 24, 34, 48, 68, 88. Identify that entry.
1. 68
2. 48
3. 88
4. 34
Show answer

Answer: (A) 68

Explanation: The differences should be 6, 10, 14, 18, 22. Therefore 48 + 18 = 66 should replace 68, and 66 + 22 = 88.
Among consecutive prime numbers, Aman has written 41, 43, ?, 53, 59. Which number has he omitted?
1. 49
2. 47
3. 51
4. 45
Show answer

Answer: (B) 47

Explanation: The consecutive primes are 41, 43, 47, 53, 59. The omitted number is 47.
Find the missing internal term: 21, 25, ?, 49, 81, 145.
1. 33
2. 37
3. 41
4. 29
Show answer

Answer: (A) 33

Explanation: The differences double: 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. Thus the missing term is 25 + 8 = 33.
Harpreet uses the sum of the preceding two entries to continue 9, 14, 23, 37, ?, 97. What belongs in the gap?
1. 62
2. 74
3. 60
4. 51
Show answer

Answer: (C) 60

Explanation: Add the preceding two terms: 23 + 37 = 60. The check is 37 + 60 = 97.
The same step pattern connects 7, 8, 18, 57, 232, ? . Determine the final term.
1. 1160
2. 1398
3. 1164
4. 1165
Show answer

Answer: (D) 1165

Explanation: The operations are ×1 + 1, ×2 + 2, ×3 + 3 and ×4 + 4. Next, 232 × 5 + 5 = 1165.
Choose the continuation of 120, 336, 720, 1320, ?.
1. 2178
2. 1728
3. 2184
4. 2197
Show answer

Answer: (C) 2184

Explanation: The terms are n³ − n for n = 5, 7, 9, 11. The next base is 13, so 13³ − 13 = 2184.
An instrument records −1458, −486, −162, −54, ? . What is its next reading?
1. -27
2. -16
3. 18
4. -18
Show answer

Answer: (D) -18

Explanation: Divide each term by 3. Therefore −54 ÷ 3 = −18.
In 31, 36, 45, 60, 83, ?, the differences themselves follow a pattern. Supply the missing value.
1. 118
2. 114
3. 116
4. 112
Show answer

Answer: (C) 116

Explanation: The first differences are 5, 9, 15, 23; their increases are 4, 6, 8. The next increase is 10, so 83 + 33 = 116.
Two familiar power sequences are interwoven: 16, 27, 25, 64, 36, 125, 49, ? . Which value comes next?
1. 343
2. 169
3. 216
4. 64
Show answer

Answer: (C) 216

Explanation: Odd positions contain 4², 5², 6², 7²; even positions contain 3³, 4³, 5³, 6³. The required value is 6³ = 216.
Riya copied a ×4 series as 7, 28, 112, 446, 1792. Which copied number needs correction?
1. 112
2. 446
3. 28
4. 1792
Show answer

Answer: (B) 446

Explanation: 112 × 4 = 448 and 448 × 4 = 1792. Hence 446 is the incorrect entry.
A display alternates two operations: 6, 18, 14, 42, 38, 114, ? . Select the missing reading.
1. 110
2. 118
3. 342
4. 108
Show answer

Answer: (A) 110

Explanation: The operations alternate ×3 and −4. After 38 × 3 = 114, subtract 4 to get 110.
Determine the missing pair in 30, 24, 130, 120, 350, 336, ?, ? by considering paired cube adjustments.
1. (720, 738)
2. (738, 720)
3. (738, 728)
4. (730, 728)
Show answer

Answer: (B) (738, 720)

Explanation: Each odd base supplies n³ + n followed by n³ − n, using bases 3, 5, 7, then 9. The pair is (9³ + 9, 9³ − 9) = (738, 720).
What replaces ? in 180, 161, 144, 131, 120, ? if successive prime numbers are subtracted in descending order?
1. 107
2. 111
3. 113
4. 109
Show answer

Answer: (C) 113

Explanation: The subtractions are 19, 17, 13, 11, then 7. Hence 120 − 7 = 113.
A decreasing sequence reads 286, 269, ?, 235, 218. Fill its vacant position.
1. 252
2. 251
3. 253
4. 246
Show answer

Answer: (A) 252

Explanation: Subtract 17 at each step. The missing term is 269 − 17 = 252.
Meera divides by a different prime at each step: 30030, 15015, 5005, 1001, 143, ? . Find the next quotient.
1. 17
2. 13
3. 19
4. 11
Show answer

Answer: (B) 13

Explanation: The divisors are consecutive primes 2, 3, 5, 7, 11. The next quotient is 143 ÷ 11 = 13.
Identify the two numbers that follow 4, 90, 7, 82, 11, 72, 18, 60, 29, 46 in the same order.
1. (47, 30)
2. (47, 32)
3. (46, 30)
4. (58, 32)
Show answer

Answer: (A) (47, 30)

Explanation: Odd positions follow 4, 7, 11, 18, 29, so the next is 18 + 29 = 47. Even positions decrease by 8, 10, 12, 14, then 16, giving 46 − 16 = 30.
The terms 310, 261, 225, 200, 184, ? decrease by a recognisable family of numbers. Choose the next term.
1. 176
2. 175
3. 168
4. 180
Show answer

Answer: (B) 175

Explanation: Subtract 7², 6², 5², 4², then 3². Therefore 184 − 9 = 175.
For the progression 630, 310, 150, 70, 30, ?, which result fits every transition?
1. 10
2. 15
3. 5
4. 20
Show answer

Answer: (A) 10

Explanation: Each step is ÷2 − 5. Thus 30 ÷ 2 − 5 = 10.
Exactly one term is incorrect in 6, 11, 32, 121, 601, 3601. Which term is it?
1. 11
2. 601
3. 121
4. 32
Show answer

Answer: (D) 32

Explanation: Use ×2 − 1, ×3 − 2, ×4 − 3, ×5 − 4, ×6 − 5. The corrected third term is 11 × 3 − 2 = 31, so 32 is wrong; 31 × 4 − 3 = 121.
Continue the zigzag sequence 50, 53, 47, 59, 35, ?.
1. 83
2. 59
3. 71
4. 11
Show answer

Answer: (A) 83

Explanation: The signed differences are +3, −6, +12, −24, then +48. Hence 35 + 48 = 83.

Why it matters

Why Number Series MCQ – Part 1 is worth the hours

Where the marks actually come from.

Number Series MCQ – Part 1 is factual rather than analytical: you either recall it in seconds or you lose the mark to somebody who did. That makes it one of the cheapest sections to convert - a handful of short sittings usually settles the whole cluster.

Exam relevance

Exams where Number Series MCQ – Part 1 matters

Derived from the subject and lane this topic belongs to.

Punjab Police Constable

The highest-volume recruitment on this list. Build your base with Punjab GK and current affairs, then drill reasoning until speed is automatic.

Punjab Police ASI

Assistant Sub-Inspector papers separate candidates on English and Punjabi accuracy as much as on general awareness. Practise language daily.

Punjab Police Sub-Inspector (SI)

The most competitive paper here. Polity, history and quant reasoning decide the rank - so take full timed mocks before the exam.

Punjab Police Jail Warder

A tighter syllabus: general awareness, Punjabi and basic reasoning. Perfect for a daily quiz habit - short sessions, high consistency.

Punjab Police Driver

A driving post inside Punjab Police. Keep general awareness and reasoning moving with short daily sets here while you work on the driving side separately.

Punjab Police Wireless Operator

A technical post inside Punjab Police. Alongside your wireless study, general awareness and reasoning are the parts you can drill here every day as MCQs.

Punjab Police IT Cadre

A technology-focused cadre inside Punjab Police. Computer awareness and reasoning are the highest-yield blocks to practise here as short daily MCQ sets.

Patwari

Revenue work starts with Punjab geography, history and current affairs. Add quant for the sections that reward calculation speed.

Excise Inspector

General awareness and English carry this paper. Track Punjab policy news daily and revise it as MCQs, not as notes.

Clerk

Grammar, comprehension, typing and basic computer knowledge. Accuracy beats speed here - review every wrong answer.

Lab Attendant

A short, high-scoring paper: lab safety, general science and reasoning. Ten focused minutes a day is usually enough to cover it.

PSPCL jobs

Recruitment by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. Technical aptitude sits alongside general awareness and reasoning.

PSSSB

PSSSB recruitment. Whichever post you are writing, general awareness, Punjabi and reasoning are the shared subjects you can practise here as daily MCQs.

Punjab Police Head Constable

The communication and clerical tier of Punjab Police. Punjabi, English and general knowledge carry the paper, and computer awareness is worth real marks.

Staff Selection Commission

The central recruitment ladder most aspirants attempt alongside a state paper. Arithmetic, reasoning and English decide the score; general awareness decides the cutoff.

Railway Recruitment

A high-volume, high-speed paper. Arithmetic, reasoning and general awareness asked at a pace that punishes anyone still working out method during the attempt.

Banking Exams

Quantitative aptitude and reasoning at speed, with a separate English section and a general awareness paper that moves with the financial news cycle.

Expected questions

Expected questions from Number Series MCQ – Part 1

What an examiner usually reaches for in this cluster.

Expect one-line recall questions - definitions, stand-for expansions, identifiers and the ordering of things. Practise the wording as well as the concept: these papers test terminology, and the set above uses the same four-option shape they do.

Daily habit

Keep the Expected MCQs habit running

20 fresh mixed questions a day, plus the current-affairs sets examiners keep reusing.

Daily Quiz Expected MCQs

Previous year questions

Previous Year Questions

How this topic behaves in real papers.

Past papers reuse clusters like this almost verbatim across years and posts. Run the same set until every distractor is familiar - previous-year style questions stop being recall and start being free marks.

Where the previous-year sets live

The portal's previous-year practice runs through the General Knowledge lane and the daily mixed quiz.

Previous Year Questions Daily Quiz

Keep going

Take the Number Series MCQ – Part 1 quiz

25 questions, about 25 min, instant scoring and a full review at the end.

Start Number Series MCQ – Part 1 quiz Reasoning page Daily Quiz Mock Tests

Questions

Number Series MCQ – Part 1 - common questions

Answered against the set as it is published today.

All questions →

How long is the Number Series MCQ – Part 1 quiz?

Number Series MCQ – Part 1 runs 25 untimed questions - about 25 min at a steady pace. The set clears at 40% and you can retake it as often as you like.

What kind of questions does Number Series MCQ – Part 1 ask?

The set answers that: each question carries four options and a full explanation, so you learn the wording an examiner uses, not just the fact behind it.

Where else can I practise Reasoning?

Open the quiz page above, or start from the Reasoning subject page if you want to drill neighbouring lanes in the same sitting.

Do my scores save?

Scores, bookmarks and streaks need the optional Google sign-in. Opening the set and answering questions does not.