In the number series 9, 11, 14, 18, 23, ?, one term is missing. Based on the pattern in the differences, choose the correct number to complete the series.

Introduction / Context:
This problem features a straightforward number series where the increments between consecutive terms themselves follow a simple increasing pattern. Identifying and continuing this pattern of differences is a fundamental skill in solving many reasoning questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The series is:
9, 11, 14, 18, 23, ?
We assume that the differences between consecutive terms are not constant but increase in a predictable way from one step to the next.

Concept / Approach:
The main approach is to compute the difference between each pair of neighboring terms and then see whether these differences form an arithmetic pattern or some other simple progression. When numbers increase but not at a fixed rate, the differences often increase by 1 each time.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Compute the differences.11 - 9 = 214 - 11 = 318 - 14 = 423 - 18 = 5Step 2: Observe that the differences are consecutive integers: 2, 3, 4, 5.Step 3: Following the pattern, the next difference should be 6.Step 4: Add this difference to the last known term.23 + 6 = 29.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rebuild the series using the rule that each difference is one more than the previous difference. Start at 9, add 2 to get 11, add 3 to get 14, add 4 to get 18, add 5 to reach 23, and finally add 6 to arrive at 29. The sequence now appears smooth and consistent, confirming that 29 is the correct missing term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Values such as 27, 31, 33, or 26 would break this simple pattern of differences. For example, if we chose 27, the last difference would be 4, not 6, and the progression 2, 3, 4, 5, 4 would no longer be strictly increasing. Only 29 maintains the clean sequence of consecutive differences from 2 to 6.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to look for multiplicative relationships where none exist, or to miscalculate one of the differences, such as computing 23 - 18 incorrectly. This can mislead you into thinking the series is irregular. Accurate subtraction and a careful look at the difference pattern are essential for success on such problems.

Final Answer:
The missing term that continues the pattern is 29.