358 356 352 344 328 296 ?

Options

A. 232
B. 247
C. 225
D. 255

Explanation

To solve the series: 358, 356, 352, 344, 328, 296, ?, we will analyze the differences between the consecutive numbers to identify a pattern.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Series**:
The given series is: 358, 356, 352, 344, 328, 296.

2. **Calculate the Differences**:
- Difference between 358 and 356:
\[ 358 - 356 = 2 \]
- Difference between 356 and 352:
\[ 356 - 352 = 4 \]
- Difference between 352 and 344:
\[ 352 - 344 = 8 \]
- Difference between 344 and 328:
\[ 344 - 328 = 16 \]
- Difference between 328 and 296:
\[ 328 - 296 = 32 \]

3. **List the Differences**:
The differences we calculated are: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32.

4. **Identify the Pattern in Differences**:
The differences are doubling each time:
- \(2 = 2^1\)
- \(4 = 2^2\)
- \(8 = 2^3\)
- \(16 = 2^4\)
- \(32 = 2^5\)

5. **Predict the Next Difference**:
Following the pattern, the next difference should be:
\[ 2^6 = 64 \]

6. **Calculate the Next Number**:
To find the next number in the series, subtract this difference from the last number (296):
\[ 296 - 64 = 232 \]

7. **Conclusion**:
The next number in the series is **232**.

### Final Answer:
The missing number in the series is **232**.