Look at this series: 2, 1, (1/2), (1/4), ... What number should come next?
Verbal Reasoning
Number Series
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A(1/16)
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B(1/6)
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C(1/8)
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D(1/3)
Answer
Correct Answer: (1/8)
Explanation
Given data
- Series: 2, 1, (1/2), (1/4), ...
Concept/ApproachThe terms are halved each time (multiply by (1/2)).
Step-by-Step calculation2 → 1 (multiply by (1/2))1 → (1/2) (multiply by (1/2))(1/2) → (1/4) (multiply by (1/2))Next: (1/4) × (1/2) = (1/8)
Verification/AlternativeGeneral term an = 2 × (1/2)n-1. For n = 4, a4 = 2×(1/8) = (1/4); for n = 5, a5 = (1/8).
Common pitfalls
- Using subtraction instead of a ratio pattern.
Final Answer(1/8)