Next in series: 2, 4, 8, 16, ?

**The reasoning** Look at how each number relates to the one before it: - 2 × 2 = 4 - 4 × 2 = 8 - 8 × 2 = 16 - 16 × 2 = **32** This is a **geometric sequence** where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant ratio (in this case, 2). You're literally doubling each time. It's also powers of 2: 2¹, 2², 2³, 2⁴, 2⁵ = 32. **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A) 20** tricks you if you mistakenly added 4 to 16 (thinking it's addition). **B) 24** catches you if you added 8 to 16 (noticing the differences but applying them wrongly). **D) 48** looks appealing if you tripled 16 instead of doubled, or got confused about the pattern midway. **Quick takeaway** In number series, always check: "Am I adding, multiplying, or using powers?" — here, each number is **double** the last, not a fixed addition.