What is the next number in the series given below
53 48 50 50 47

Options

A. 51
B. 46
C. 53
D. 52

Answer

To find the next number in the series 53, 48, 50, 50, 47, we can analyze the pattern in the sequence.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Write down the series**:
The series is: 53, 48, 50, 50, 47.

2. **Identify the pattern**:
Let's look at the differences between the numbers:
- From 53 to 48: **-5**
- From 48 to 50: **+2**
- From 50 to 50: **0**
- From 50 to 47: **-3**

So, we have the differences: -5, +2, 0, -3.

3. **Analyze the differences**:
The differences appear to alternate between decreasing and increasing:
- First difference: -5 (decrease)
- Second difference: +2 (increase)
- Third difference: 0 (no change)
- Fourth difference: -3 (decrease)

4. **Predict the next difference**:
Following the pattern, we can see that after a decrease of -3, we might expect an increase. The previous increase was +2, so we can assume the next increase should also be +2.

5. **Calculate the next number**:
The last number in the series is 47. If we add +2 to this, we get:
\[ 47 + 2 = 49 \]

6. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, the next number in the series is **49**.