What is the next number in the series: 2, 5, 11, 23, ___?

The pattern in this series is that each number is one less than twice the previous number.

Let's break it down:

• 2 * 2 = 4, 4 + 1 = 5
• 5 * 2 = 10, 10 + 1 = 11
• 11 * 2 = 22, 22 + 1 = 23

Following this pattern, the next number would be:

• 23 * 2 = 46, 46 + 1 = 47

So, the next number in the series is 47.

To determine the next number in the series 2, 5, 11, 23, let's look for a pattern or rule that governs the sequence.

1. Identify the differences between consecutive terms:

   • Difference between 5 and 2: $5 - 2 = 3$
   • Difference between 11 and 5: $11 - 5 = 6$
   • Difference between 23 and 11: $23 - 11 = 12$

2. Observe the pattern in the differences:

   • The differences are: 3, 6, 12

3. Look for a pattern in the differences:

   • The differences themselves seem to be increasing. Let's see if there's a pattern in how they increase.
   • The difference between 6 and 3: $6 - 3 = 3$
   • The difference between 12 and 6: $12 - 6 = 6$

4. Predict the next difference:

   • The pattern in the differences is that they are doubling each time (3, 6, 12). If this pattern continues, the next difference should be $12 \times 2 = 24$.

5. Calculate the next term in the series:

   • Add the next difference to the last term in the series: $23 + 24 = 47$

Therefore, the next number in the series is 47.

The pattern in this series is that each number is one less than twice the previous number.

Let's break it down:

• Start with 2.
• Double 2 is 4, and 4 + 1 is 5.
• Double 5 is 10, and 10 + 1 is 11.
• Double 11 is 22, and 22 + 1 is 23.

So, to find the next number:

• Double 23 is 46, and 46 + 1 is 47.

Therefore, the next number in the series is 47.