Number series – next term via halving decrements: 656, 432, 320, 264, 236, ?

Introduction / Context:
The successive subtractions halve each time: −224, −112, −56, −28, … Continue the pattern to find the next term.

Observation / Approach:

• 656 → 432: −224
• 432 → 320: −112 (half of 224)
• 320 → 264: −56 (half of 112)
• 264 → 236: −28 (half of 56)

Step-by-Step Solution:
Next decrement = −14 (half of 28) ⇒ 236 − 14 = 222.

Verification / Alternative check:
The halving continues neatly: 224, 112, 56, 28, 14, …

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
229, 232, 223, 226 do not correspond to subtracting 14 from 236.

Common Pitfalls:
Switching to ratio-based reasoning; here the pattern is strictly on the differences.

Final Answer:
222