What comes next in the series: 2, 4, 8, 16, ?

**The reasoning** This is a **geometric sequence** — each term is found by multiplying the previous one by a constant ratio. Let's find the pattern: - 4 ÷ 2 = 2 - 8 ÷ 4 = 2 - 16 ÷ 8 = 2 The common ratio is **2**. Each number doubles the previous one. So: 16 × 2 = **32** You can also see it as powers of 2: 2¹ = 2, 2² = 4, 2³ = 8, 2⁴ = 16, 2⁵ = **32** **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A) 20** — If you mistakenly add 4 to 16 (thinking it's an arithmetic sequence like 2, 6, 10...), you'd get this. **B) 24** — Adding 8 to 16, perhaps thinking the difference keeps increasing. **D) 48** — Tripling 16 instead of doubling, or confusing the pattern midway. The key trap: assuming it's addition-based when it's actually **multiplication-based**. **Quick takeaway** In geometric sequences, **divide consecutive terms** to find the multiplier — don't assume it's addition! JAMB loves testing whether you spot multiplication vs addition patterns.