Consistent divisor rule: 1220, 244, __, 9.76, 1.952 Determine the missing third term that preserves the same operation each step.

Introduction / Context:
A common simple rule in series is repeated division by a fixed integer. Here, values drop by a factor that appears to be stable, creating evenly spaced exponents in base form.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Given: 1220 → 244 → ? → 9.76 → 1.952
• We assume identical operation between successive terms.

Concept / Approach:
Test division by 5: 1220/5 = 244 (fits). Continue: 244/5 = 48.8 (candidate missing). Check the next links to validate the same rule.

Step-by-Step Solution:
After 244, missing = 244/5 = 48.8.Next: 48.8/5 = 9.76 (fits); 9.76/5 = 1.952 (fits).

Verification / Alternative check:
Division by any other simple integer fails at one of the steps; /5 is the only small-integer rule that hits every displayed transition exactly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
49.2 and 47 do not equal 244/5; 8 breaks the uniform /5 rule and would make the later terms inconsistent.

Common Pitfalls:
Jumping to /10 because of the decimals, or mixing divide-by-2 and divide-by-5 alternately without validating all steps.

Final Answer:
48.8