To determine the next number in the sequence 2, 7, 8, 3, 12, 9, we first need to identify a pattern or rule that defines how the numbers are generated.
Let’s break down the sequence:
- The first number is 2.
- The second number, 7, can be seen as an addition of 5 to the first number: 2 + 5 = 7.
- Next, we have 8, which is just 7 + 1.
- Now, the number 3 seems a bit out of order since it drops from 8 to 3. However, if we think in terms of a different relationship, we can consider a pattern. The number 3 can be derived from 8 – 5 = 3.
- Moving forward, we again have an increase. The 12 is 3 + 9.
- Finally, we look at the last number 9, which is 12 – 3 = 9.
From these observations, we can summarize a pattern as follows:
- Add 5 to get 7.
- Add 1 to get 8.
- Subtract 5 to get 3.
- Add 9 to get 12.
- Subtract 3 to get 9.
Following this pattern, after 9, we can predict the next number in the sequence. If we continue the pattern, we could repeat the previous addition of 5 from the beginning. If we take 9 + 5, we arrive at 14.
Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 14.