In the number series 50, 45, 37, 26, 12, the next term is _______. – UGC NET Question

The differences are −5, −8, −11 and −14, which decrease by 3 each time. The next difference should therefore be −17. Adding −17 to the last term 12 gives 12 − 17 = −5. Hence, −5 is the correct next term in the series.

Option A:
Option A uses the new difference −17 and yields −5, keeping the second-level pattern of subtracting 3 from each successive difference. The extended sequence of differences −5, −8, −11, −14, −17 remains consistent. Thus, −5 correctly continues the series.

Option B:
Option B is 0, which would require subtracting 12 from 12, corresponding to a difference of −12. That does not follow the −5, −8, −11, −14 progression. Therefore, 0 is not correct.

Option C:
Option C is 2, which implies a difference of −10 from 12. This value does not arise from continuing the pattern of reducing differences by 3. Hence, 2 cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D is 4, yielding a difference of −8, which repeats an earlier step rather than moving further by −3. This breaks the steadily changing differences and is therefore not suitable.