7
$\begingroup$

4, 23, 20, 12, 14, 9, 20, 19, ?

Also explain your reasoning.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
10
$\begingroup$

The answer is

9

because

In the title of the question, the words begin with DWTLNITSI, corresponding to positions 4, 23, 20, 12, 14, 9, 20, 19, 9 in the alphabet.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ We have a winner! $\endgroup$
    – pacoverflow
    Nov 7, 2014 at 21:33
-1
$\begingroup$

4, 23, 20, 12, 14, 9, 20, 19, ?
19, -3, -8, 2, -5, 11, -1, ?
-22, -5, -6, -7, -16, -12, ?
17, -1, -1, -9, 4, ?
-18, 0, -8, 13, ?
18, -8, 21, ?
-26, 29, ?
45, ?

We can achieve that by using a difference table. Then starting by the bottom we can work out way up by replacing the first "?" with another 45:

4, 23, 20, 12, 14, 9, 20, 19, 118
19, -3, -8, 2, -5, 11, -1, 99
-22, -5, -6, -7, -16, -12, 100
17, -1, -1, -9, 4, 112
-18, 0, -8, 13, 108
18, -8, 21, 95
-26, 29, 74
45, 45

So the next number in the sequence is 118. Making the full sequence:

4, 23, 20, 12, 14, 9, 20, 19, 118

That is unless I made a mistake calculating

Note: This may not be the answer you're looking for, and I get that, but it doesn't make this answer any less correct; so please do not downvote.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
12
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ This is an interesting answer, although definitely not what I'm looking for. $\endgroup$
    – pacoverflow
    Nov 7, 2014 at 21:00
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ The problem with this answer is that it can be done for any finite sequence of numbers, and so it can apply to nearly any question. I don't think it's interesting after seeing it the first time. Usually there's a more meaningful answer. $\endgroup$
    – TheRubberDuck
    Nov 7, 2014 at 21:10
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ @warspyking typically for a well made "what's the next number" question, there is a single answer which fits significantly better than any others. $\endgroup$
    – frodoskywalker
    Nov 7, 2014 at 21:37
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ @war yes, there could be infinite answers. My point is that what distinguishes a good question of this type is that there is a single answer which can be generally agreed to be by far the best fit. If the answer, when revealed, is not obviously correct to most readers I would argue that it is a "read my mind" question. $\endgroup$
    – frodoskywalker
    Nov 7, 2014 at 21:45
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ The difference between negative 8 and positive 2 is not negative 6. It's Positive 10. $\endgroup$
    – Dave
    Jan 4, 2015 at 22:29

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.