Question: What numbers do X and Y represent in the following series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 42, X, Y
Answer:
X=56 and Y=72
The pattern is the multiplication of two consecutive numbers stating with 1.
First number = 1 * 2 = 2
Second number = 2 * 3 = 6
Third number = 3 * 4 = 12
Forth number = 4 * 5 = 20
Fifth number = 5 * 6 = 30
Sixth number = 6 * 7 = 42
Seventh number = 7 * 8 = 56
Eighth number = 8 * 9 = 72
Alternatively, the patten can be defined as adding a constant after incrementing it by 2 to the previous number.
First number = 2
Second number = 2 + 4 = 6
Third number = 6 + 6 = 12
Forth number = 12 + 8 = 20
Fifth number = 20 + 10 = 30
Sixth number = 30 + 12 = 42
Seventh number = 42 + 14 = 56
Eighth number = 56 + 16 = 72