Question 1

The next number in the series is 48.

The series presented decreases by 6 with each consecutive number: 78 to 72 is a decrease of 6, 72 to 66 is also a decrease of 6, and this pattern continues to 60 and 54. Therefore, the next number after 54, following the same pattern, is 54 - 6, which equals 48.

A) 48

This option is correct as it follows the established pattern of subtracting 6 from the previous number in the series. Continuing from 54, subtracting 6 gives us 48, confirming that this is the next number in the sequence.

B) 49

Option B is incorrect because it does not fit the established pattern of decreasing by 6. Adding or subtracting 1 from the previous number does not align with the calculated sequence, making this option invalid.

C) 50

This option is also incorrect as it suggests an increase rather than a decrease. The sequence clearly shows a consistent reduction, and 50 does not maintain the pattern of subtracting 6 from 54.

D) 51

Option D does not adhere to the pattern of the series. Like the previous options, it fails to represent the decrement of 6 necessary to continue the sequence correctly. Therefore, it is not the next number.

E) 52

This choice is incorrect as well, as it suggests a decrease of only 2 from 54, rather than the required decrease of 6. It disrupts the consistency of the series and does not align with the established pattern.

F) none of these

This option is inaccurate since 48 is indeed a part of the choices provided and is the correct answer. Thus, this option does not apply.

Conclusion

The correct answer, 48, maintains the established decrement of 6 in the number series. All other options either fail to follow this pattern or suggest incorrect values, demonstrating that they do not fit the logical progression of the sequence.