Number Series is an important topic in bank exams and it is widely asked under the Quantitative Aptitude section. This subject evaluates the candidate’s logical thinking, numerical ability and problem-solving speed. Understanding the fundamentals and strategies to solve number series questions effectively is essential for success in exams like SBI Clerk, IBPS PO, RBI Assistant and other banking recruitment exams.
number series for bank exams
Number series is a sequence of numbers arranged in a particular order based on a specific pattern. The task is to find the logic behind the patterns and predict the next number(s), find the missing number(s) or find the wrong number in the series. These types of questions test how well candidates can identify patterns and apply mathematical rules quickly.
Types of Number Series Questions
- Arithmetic Series: In this series, a constant number is added or subtracted to each term to get the next term. Example: 5, 10, 15, 20, ? (Pattern: adding 5 each time)
- Geometric Series: Each term of the series is multiplied or divided by a constant number to get the next term. Example: 3, 6, 12, 24, ? (Pattern: multiplying by 2 each time)
- Square/Cube Series: This includes numbers that are squares or cubes of consecutive integers. Example: 1, 8, 27, 64, ? (Pattern: Cubes of 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Fibonacci Series: Each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. Example: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ? (Pattern: Adding last two terms)
- Mixed series: These are complex series where a combination of different operations or alternating patterns are used. Example: 2, 4, 6, 11, 14, 20, ? (Pattern: Addition and multiplication by turns)
- Pattern-based series: Series based on a defined rule that includes patterns such as alternating operations, skipping numbers, etc. Example: 3, 7, 15, 31, ? (Pattern: doubling the previous term and subtracting 1)
Number Series Questions for Bank Exams
Directions (1-12):- Find the value of question (?) mark in the following number series.
Q1. 3, 4, 10, 33, ?, 685
(A) 140
(B)136
(c) 154
(d) 156
(e) 144
Q2. 8, 4, 6, 15, ? , 236.25
(A) 46.5
(B) 48.5
(c) 50.5
(d) 52.5
(e) 54.5
Q3. 13, 31, 52, 79, 115, ?
(A) 163
(B) 153
(c) 160
(d) 167
(e) 175
Q4. 119, 167, 287, 359, ?, 839
(A) 523
(B) 627
(c) 623
(d) 527
(e) 529
Q5. 4, 7, 13, 25, 49, ?
(A) 79
(B)97
(c)93
(d) 89
(e) 127
Q6. 64, 32, 32, 48, 96, 240, ?
(A) 360
(B)324
(c) 720
(d) 576
(e) 600
Q7. 5, 16, 38, 71, 115, ?, 236
(A) 140
(B) 159
(c) 181
(d) 170
(e) 178
Q8. 1, ?, 17, 53, 161, 485, 1457
(A)3
(b) 5
(c)7
(d) 9
(e)12
Q9. 7.1, 7.7, 8.9, 10.7, 13.1, 16.1, ?
(A) 19.7
(B) 19.3
(c) 18.7
(d) 18.3
(e)20.1
Q10. 3, 5, 10, 20, 37, 63, ?
(A) 90
(B) 115
(c) 95
(d) 80
(e) 100
Question 11. 12, 12, 18, 45, 180, 1170, ?
(A) 12285
(B)10530
(c) 11700
(d) 12870
(e)9945
Question 12. 67, 1091, 835, 899, 883, ?
(A) 889
(B) 887
(c) 883
(d) 894
(e) 896
Guidelines (13): In each of these questions a number series is given. Only one number series is given in each series. Only one number is wrong in each series. Find the wrong number.
Question 13. 1 3 10 36 152 760 4632
(A)3
(B)36
(c) 4632
(d) 760
(e) 152
Disha (14)In each of the following questions a number series is given. A number is given in the series followed by (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). You have to complete the series starting from the given number, following the sequence of the original series and answer the questions that follow the series.
Question 14. 12, 30, 120, 460, 1368, 2730
16 (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
What will come in place of (d)?
(A) 1384
(B) 2642
(c) 2808
(d) 1988
(e) none of these
Tips to solve number series questions
- See the difference: Check the difference between consecutive terms to see if it follows arithmetic or an increasing/decreasing pattern.
- Find multiplication or division: If the differences don’t show any pattern, try multiplication or division between the terms.
- Check out squares and cubes: Identify whether the series consists of perfect squares, cubes, or combinations.
- Alternative Pattern: Verify whether there are two or more sub-patterns alternating throughout the series.
- Mixed Series: For complex series, consider the possibility of a compound pattern or sequence derived from a known series such as the Fibonacci.
- Practice Time Management: Spend appropriate time on each question. If a pattern doesn’t become apparent within 30-40 seconds, move on and return later if you have time.
| Solution | |||||||||
| 01 | b | 02 | D | 03 | A | 04 | D | 05 | b |
| 06 | C | 07 | D | 08 | b | 09 | A | 10 | E |
| 11 | A | 12 | b | 13 | D | 14 | C | ||
