In the number series 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, the next term is _______. – UGC NET Question

The series lists prime numbers in ascending order: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 and 17. The next prime after 17 is 19. Therefore, 19 is the correct next term in the sequence.

Option A:
Option A is 18, which is composite because it has divisors 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 18. It does not fit into a list of primes. Hence, it cannot be chosen.

Option B:
Option B equals 19, a prime number that follows 17 in the natural order of primes. Extending the series to 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19 keeps the property of primality throughout. This makes 19 the appropriate continuation.

Option C:
Option C is 21, another composite number divisible by 3 and 7. As the sequence is restricted to primes, introducing 21 would break the rule. Therefore, it is not correct.

Option D:
Option D is 23, which is prime but does not come immediately after 17. Since 19 is the first prime after 17, skipping it would not match the natural prime progression. Thus, 23 is not the correct next term here.