Number series – rule of “double then add an increasing integer”: 6, 13, 28, 59, ? Determine the next term when each step doubles and then adds 1, 2, 3, … sequentially.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 122

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
A frequent construction in series questions is “multiply, then add a steadily increasing small integer.” It feels multiplicative but also embeds a linear count, making it both memorable and testable.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sequence: 6, 13, 28, 59, ?
  • Hypothesis: next = 2*previous + k, with k rising by 1 each step.


Concept / Approach:
Check if 13 = 2*6 + 1; if yes, try 28 = 2*13 + 2; continue to validate. If consistent, extend to find the next term using k = 4.



Step-by-Step Solution:

13 = 2*6 + 1 → OK.28 = 2*13 + 2 = 26 + 2 → OK.59 = 2*28 + 3 = 56 + 3 → OK.Next should be 2*59 + 4 = 118 + 4 = 122.


Verification / Alternative check:
Back-substituting confirms all steps align with +1, +2, +3; therefore +4 is the natural continuation.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

113, 114, 111 do not satisfy the exact 2x + 4 continuation and would disrupt the established pattern.


Common Pitfalls:
Mistaking this for pure doubling or a quadratic; the small additive ladder is the key.



Final Answer:
122

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