Which number will replace the question mark (?) in the series: 98, 95, 86, 82, 66, ?, 36

Question

Which number will replace the question mark (?) in the series: 98, 95, 86, 82, 66, ?, 36

1. A. 58
2. B. 60
3. C. 61 (Correct answer)
4. D. 63

Correct Answer

Option C — 61

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 61.

Key Points

• Pattern: subtract alternating values — 3, 9, 4, 16, 5, 25. The subtracted values alternate between a sequence (3,4,5) and their squares (9,16,25).
• Next subtraction: 5 → 66-5=61. Then 25 → 61-25=36 ✓. Answer: 61.