The number pattern may seem simple, but there’s a hidden sequence that requires careful observation. Take a few seconds, work through the numbers, and see if you can find the correct answer before checking the comments! What number should replace the question mark?

At first glance, this missing number puzzle looks like a straightforward sequence, but the pattern becomes clearer when you compare the numbers across each row. The challenge is to identify how the numbers are changing rather than simply guessing the final value.

Look at the first column: 6, 9, and 12. Each number increases by 3. The second column contains 18, 21, and 24, which also increases by 3. Now focus on the third column, where the numbers are 42 and 48, followed by the missing number.

The difference between the first and second numbers in each row is also important. In the first row, 6 becomes 18 by adding 12, and 18 becomes 42 by adding 24. In the second row, 9 becomes 21 by adding 12, and 21 becomes 48 by adding 27. Following the same pattern, the final increase should be 30.

That means the last row becomes 12 → 24 → 54, because 24 + 30 = 54. So the missing number is 54. Did you get it right without checking the answer? Share this brain teaser with someone who loves number puzzles and see if they can solve it!