What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following number series.
1338 447 150 51 18 ?

Options

A. 7
B. 6
C. 9
D. 10

Answer

To find the missing number in the series: 1338, 447, 150, 51, 18, ?, we will analyze the pattern in the series step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the series
The series is: 1338, 447, 150, 51, 18, ?

### Step 2: Identify the pattern
Let's look at how each number relates to the previous one.

1. From 1338 to 447:
- \( 1338 \div 3 = 446 \) (approximately)
- However, we see that \( 447 \) is actually \( 446 + 1 \).

2. From 447 to 150:
- \( 447 \div 3 = 149 \) (approximately)
- Again, \( 150 \) is \( 149 + 1 \).

3. From 150 to 51:
- \( 150 \div 3 = 50 \) (approximately)
- Here, \( 51 \) is \( 50 + 1 \).

4. From 51 to 18:
- \( 51 \div 3 = 17 \) (approximately)
- Thus, \( 18 \) is \( 17 + 1 \).

### Step 3: Continue the pattern
Now, we will apply the same logic to find the next number after 18.

5. From 18 to the next number:
- \( 18 \div 3 = 6 \)
- So, following the pattern, the next number should be \( 6 + 1 = 7 \).

### Conclusion
The number that comes in place of the question mark (?) is **7**.