The next number in the pattern is 22.
To arrive at this answer, we first need to identify the underlying pattern in the given sequence: 14, 5, 18, 24, 15, 28, 34.
If we break the series into two alternating sequences:
- First sequence: 14, 18, 15, 34
- Second sequence: 5, 24, 28
For the first sequence:
- From 14 to 18, we add 4.
- From 18 to 15, we subtract 3.
- From 15 to 34, we add 19 (which seems like a jump).
For the second sequence:
- From 5 to 24, we add 19.
- From 24 to 28, we add 4.
To find a consistent pattern among these numbers, let’s reconsider both sequences together with the intention to find the next number that logically follows. If we observe the relationship more closely:
- If we look more deeply into the increments, we notice: in the second part, after reaching 28, the next reasonable number (completing the rhythm of oscillation in our earlier pattern) would be an addition of -6, bringing us back down, leading us to arrive at 22.
Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that 22 would fit well into the established alternating sequence as the next number, which continues the overall alternating pattern of increments and decrements.