Question

Which number will replace the question mark (?) in the following number series?

5, 17, 53, ? , 485

1. 161
2. 157
3. 163
4. 159

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : 161

The pattern followed here is:

First digit × 3 + 2 = Second digit, Second digit × 3 + 2 = Third digit, and so on.

So, 5 × 3 + 2 = 17

17 × 3 + 2 = 53

53 × 3 + 2 = 161

161 × 3 + 2 = 485

Hence, the correct answer is "161".