In the number series 2, 5, 11, 23, 47, 95, the next term is _______. – UGC NET Question

Each term is obtained by doubling the previous term and adding 1. We see 2 × 2 + 1 = 5, 5 × 2 + 1 = 11, 11 × 2 + 1 = 23, 23 × 2 + 1 = 47 and 47 × 2 + 1 = 95. Applying this rule again gives 95 × 2 + 1 = 190 + 1 = 191. This preserves the recursive structure of the series.

Option A:
Option A gives 187, which does not equal 95 × 2 + 1 and would require a different constant or operation. This breaks the "times two plus one" rule seen earlier. Therefore, 187 is not consistent with the pattern.

Option B:
Option B offers 189, which corresponds to adding −1 after doubling 95 or some other ad hoc change. This is not supported by earlier transitions. Hence, 189 cannot be accepted.

Option C:
Option C suggests 190, which is simply 95 × 2 and omits the addition of 1 that is present in every previous step. This makes the rule incomplete and inconsistent. Thus, 190 is not appropriate.

Option D:
Option D yields 191, which exactly matches 95 × 2 + 1 and continues the recursive pattern in a straightforward way. The series remains internally coherent. Therefore, 191 is the correct next term.