A basic mathematical sequence has baffled the internet, showing that it might actually be much more complicated than it initially seems.
The math puzzle shared by X user Bholanath DuttaFounder It seems to display a simple numeric series featuring seven digits.
Initially, the series appears to display a pattern – one that isn’t readily deciphered.
The post has baffled the online community, as daring participants have provided contradictory responses in their efforts to crack it.
Can you be the one to solve the puzzle and determine the following two digits in this sequence? Take a shot at it!
The series goes as follows: 8, 22, 12, 16, 22, 20, 24, .....
A) 28, 32
B) 28, 22
C) 22, 28
D) 22, 26

The primary clue for cracking this perplexing riddle lies in recognizing a recurring alternation.
Have you solved it?
If the answer is indeed yes, then hats off to you! You must be a math whizz. If not, let us offer a clue: This sequence adheres to an alternating repetition scheme, constructed through basic addition—specifically, by adding the number four each time.
As highlighted by one of the participants, the accurate response is as follows:
8, 22, (+4), 12, 16, 22, (+4), 20, 24, 22, (+4), 28
A number of users managed to correctly pinpoint the right answer, which is choice C: 22, 28.
This sequence switches back and forth between following a standard pattern and incorporating an unpredictable number. Specifically, the numeral 22 emerges every three iterations, unexpectedly breaking the usual order.
Apart from the 22, the series advances by incrementing each subsequent number by four, thus forming the following digit in the sequence.


If the present number is 16, the following one will be 20 (16 + 4).
Every third instance in the series features the arbitrary number 22, disrupting the continuous addition of four.
Although the pattern typically increments by four, the number 22 is interspersed—occurring every three steps—which disrupts the sequence. This makes what would normally be a straightforward calculation significantly more difficult when it resumes.
To put it simply, the confusing sequence generally adheres to an easy ‘add four’ pattern, except every third number is swapped out for a 22 instead.
This conundrum is merely the most recent addition to a collection of perplexing challenges that have intrigued social media enthusiasts globally.
Patterns form a crucial element of mathematics, manifesting in numerals, forms, algebraic equations, and how we tackle daily challenges.
Identifying these patterns can assist in anticipating upcoming occurrences, a capability that can be utilized in practical scenarios to predict developments.
Recognizing an issue can simplify a complex problem by exposing patterns and connections between figures that aren’t readily apparent at first glance.
Moreover, recognizing patterns within sequences can enhance comprehension across all areas of mathematics — laying down a solid base for tackling complex issues, improving analytical abilities and leading to increased achievement in domains such as finance, science, and tech.
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