In the number series 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, the next term is _______. – UGC NET Question

The differences between consecutive terms are 3, 3, 3 and 3, so this is an arithmetic progression with common difference 3. To continue the series we must add 3 to the last term 16. Doing so gives 19 as the next term. This keeps the entire sequence consistent with the same constant difference rule. Therefore, 19 is the correct continuation.

Option A:
Option A fits the pattern because 16 + 3 = 19, preserving the constant difference of 3 seen in all earlier steps. The resulting sequence 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 remains a perfect arithmetic progression. This makes the structure easy to verify in an exam setting. Hence, this option correctly follows the observed rule.

Option B:
Option B gives 18, which is only 2 more than 16 and breaks the fixed increment of 3. If 18 were chosen, the last difference would be 2 instead of 3, making the series inconsistent. Therefore, this value cannot be accepted as the correct next term.

Option C:
Option C gives 20, producing a last jump of 4 from 16 to 20. None of the earlier differences is 4, so this would introduce an unexplained change in the pattern. As competitive exams expect a single clear rule, this option must be rejected.

Option D:
Option D gives 21, which is 5 more than 16 and leads to a last difference of 5. This is even further from the established difference of 3 between earlier terms. Because it contradicts the uniform structure of the series, it cannot be the correct answer.