Number series for the IBEW aptitude test

Number-pattern questions ask you to find the next number and appear in the exam’s algebra portion.

Union Aptitude PrepNumber series: find the rule The setupA number series gives you a row and asks for the next number. Don’t stare at the numbers. Look at the gaps.Write the gapsThree to five is plus two. Five to nine is plus four. Then plus eight, then plus sixteen.The ruleThe gaps double every time. That is the rule for this series.

Lessons in this chapter

4 lessons, about 5 minutes each

Sample questions

From the class’s practice bank. Pick an answer, then check it.

Question 1

79, 68, 57, 46, 35, ?

Show the answer

C. 24. The gaps are all the same: −11, −11, −11, −11. Subtract 11 once more: 35 − 11 = 24.

Question 2

26, 28, 34, 44, 58, ?

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B. 76. The gaps grow by 4: +2, +6, +10, +14. So the next gap is 18: 58 + 18 = 76. 72 is the trap: it repeats the last gap.

Question 3

5, 7, 13, 31, 85, ?

Show the answer

C. 247. The gaps triple: +2, +6, +18, +54. So the next gap is 162: 85 + 162 = 247. 255 is the trap: it triples the last number.

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Number series for the IBEW aptitude test

Lessons in this chapter

Sample questions

The full class, $39 once.

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