139, 142, 133, 160, 79, ?

Options

A. 326
B. 322
C. 331
D. 340

Explanation

To find the missing number in the series: 139, 142, 133, 160, 79, ?, we will analyze the differences between the consecutive numbers.

### Step 1: Calculate the differences between the numbers
1. **From 139 to 142**:
- Difference = 142 - 139 = **3**

2. **From 142 to 133**:
- Difference = 133 - 142 = **-9**

3. **From 133 to 160**:
- Difference = 160 - 133 = **27**

4. **From 160 to 79**:
- Difference = 79 - 160 = **-81**

### Step 2: List the differences
Now we have the following differences:
- 3, -9, 27, -81

### Step 3: Identify the pattern in the differences
The differences can be expressed as:
- 3 = 3 × 1
- -9 = -3²
- 27 = 3³
- -81 = -3⁴

### Step 4: Determine the next difference
Following the pattern, the next difference should be:
- 3⁵ = 243

### Step 5: Calculate the missing number
Now, we add this difference to the last number in the series:
- Missing number = 79 + 243 = **322**

### Conclusion
Thus, the missing number in the series is **322**.

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