In the pattern 2, 6, 4, 10, 8, 14, ___, numbers alternate between adding an increasing even number and subtracting 2. What number comes next?

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify operations: $2\to 6$ (+4), $6\to 4$ (-2), $4\to 10$ (+6), $10\to 8$ (-2), $8\to 14$ (+8).
2. The next operation is to subtract 2: $14-2=12$.

Concept tested: Alternating operations

Published 16 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked