Determine the next term: 10, 18, 28, 40, 54, 70, ? — identify the steadily growing even-number differences and extend the pattern.

Introduction / Context:
Many series grow by adding consecutively larger even numbers. Detecting that arithmetic progression within the differences yields the next term effortlessly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: 10, 18, 28, 40, 54, 70, ?
• We will analyze the first differences.

Concept / Approach:
Compute step-by-step increases and look for a simple pattern, such as an arithmetic progression in the differences. Then apply the next difference to the last term.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Extending the even-number progression maintains consistency; any other next term would break the +2 step in the differences.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 85, 86, 87 correspond to differences 15, 16, 17 from 70, which break the clear +2 even-number pattern.

Common Pitfalls:
Mistaking the pattern for multiplication or squares. The plain even-increment rule is both sufficient and consistent here.

Final Answer:
88