Which number will replace the question mark(?) in the following series? 3, 5, 7, 8, 15, ?, 31, 26

Correct answer: 14

Explanation: ✅ Correct Answer: B) 14 📚 Explanation: Step 1: This series is a combination of two alternating sequences. The first sequence consists of the numbers at odd positions: 3, 7, 15, 31. The rule here is multiplying by 2 and adding 1 ($3 \times 2+1=7$, $7 \times 2+1=15$, etc.). Step 2: The second sequence consists of numbers at even positions: 5, 8, ?, 26. The gaps between these numbers increase by a multiple of 2 or follow an arithmetic rule (+3, +6, +12). Step 3: Following this gap rule (+6 after +3), add 6 to the previous even-position number: $8 + 6 = 14$. This gives 14 as the missing value.