What is the next number in the sequence below?2     5     11     23

The sequence appears to be doubling each number and then adding 1.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Start with the first number: 2
2. Double it to get 4, then add 1 to get 5
3. Double 5 to get 10, then add 1 to get 11
4. Double 11 to get 22, then add 1 to get 23

Following this pattern, the next number would be:

1. Double 23 to get 46
2. Add 1 to get 47

So, the next number in the sequence should be 47.