The next number in the sequence is 4.
This sequence consists of perfect squares of consecutive even numbers. Let’s break it down:
- 256 = 16^2
- 196 = 14^2
- 144 = 12^2
- 100 = 10^2
- 64 = 8^2
- 36 = 6^2
- 16 = 4^2
The pattern clearly shows that we are squaring the even numbers in descending order, starting from 16 down to 4. The next even number to square in this pattern would be 2.
Thus, the next number in the sequence is:
- 4 = 2^2