Question

5,3,10,8,13,15,?,24 what is thus answer and this was an IAS question..

Answer 1

22 is the right answer, since in every couple of numbers there's a difference of 2.

So, it could have been 26 as well but because of the pattern i would say 22.

Answer 2

sequence is given : 5 , 3 , 10, 8, 13, 15, ?, 24.
here there are two sequences.
first sequence is ----> 5, 10, 13 , ?
2nd sequence is ---> 3, 8, 15 , 24

Let see first sequence ,
5 + (5 - 2 ×0) = 10
10 + (5 - 2 × 1) = 13
13 + (5 - 2 × 2) = 14

and see, 2nd sequence,
3 + (5 + 2 × 0) = 8
8 + (5 + 2 × 1) = 8 + 7 = 15
15 + (5 + 2 × 2) = 15 + 9 = 24

both sequences seem similar relation. so I can sure that answer should 14.

hence, answer is 14.