Fill the missing Roman numeral: V, VIII, XI, XIV, __, XX, … Identify the correct term that continues the pattern.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: XVII

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Roman-numeral sequences often hide a simple arithmetic pattern when converted to Arabic numbers. Here the steps between terms are constant.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Series (Roman): V, VIII, XI, XIV, ?, XX
  • Convert to Arabic to analyze: 5, 8, 11, 14, ?, 20


Concept / Approach:
The Arabic values form an arithmetic progression with common difference +3.



Step-by-Step Solution:
5 → 8: +38 → 11: +311 → 14: +3Therefore the next is 14 + 3 = 17Convert 17 to Roman numerals → XVII



Verification / Alternative check:
17 → 20 is also +3; 20 in Roman is XX, matching the series.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • IX (9) / XV (15) / XXIII (23): These do not maintain the +3 arithmetic progression.


Common Pitfalls:
Working in Roman numerals directly can obscure the simple +3 pattern; convert to Arabic first.



Final Answer:
XVII

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion