What is the next number in this sequence: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 42, ?
56
The differences between consecutive terms are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, increasing by 2 each time. The next difference is 14, so 42 + 14 = 56 (or n(n+1) for n=1,2,3...).
About this riddle
Math riddles hide a calculation inside a short story. Pull out the numbers, work out what is being asked, and watch for a trick such as a unit change.
Difficulty: Medium. More like this: Math riddles with answers or try Target 24 for a different kind of puzzle.
More math riddles
Ava has 18 dinner rolls and Lily has 8. How many more dinner rolls does Ava have?
Multiply me by any positive integer, then sum the digits of that product repeatedly until a single digit remains, and you will always end up right back at me. What single-digit number am I?
I stand right in the middle of an ordered list of numbers, keeping balance between the high and the low. I am not calculated by adding and dividing, but I split the set into two equal halves. What statistical measure am I?
A merchant buys a clock for $60, sells it for $70, buys it back for $80, and finally sells it for $90. What is the merchant's total profit?
One pumpkin costs 3 dollars. How many dollars do 3 pumpkins cost?
One flower costs 2 dollars. How many dollars do 7 flowers cost?

