To determine the next number in the series, let’s first observe the pattern between the numbers:
- From 4 to 12, we can see an increase of 8.
- From 12 to 6, there is a decrease of 6.
- From 6 to 9, there’s an increase of 3.
- From 9 to 8, there’s a decrease of 1.
- Finally, from 8 to 6, we see another decrease of 2.
Now, let’s break down the increases and decreases:
- The increases: +8, +3
- The decreases: -6, -1, -2
It seems that the series alternates between increasing and decreasing. The pattern of increases suggests that this could be decreasing next as well, consistently from a recent drop. If we look closely, we can possibly infer that the series may project a smaller decrease next. Therefore, from 6, if we decrease by 1 again, we will get 5.
Thus, the next number in the series is 5.