I have stared at this number sequence for hours and I just can't seem to figure it out. If somebody will please assist me in figuring out this difficult problem.

The sequence is:

52, 28, 33, 63, 73, 23, 56...

I need to figure out the next number that comes in the sequence.

Capuchin

89

It's impossible to answer unless you quoote the question correctly.

"What is the next number in this sequence?"

Sadly it doesnt really involve clever math at all.

galactus

This problem has been posted on every math forum I have visited. No answer on those either.

Capuchin

Well it's just a numeric sum of the letters in the words in the question, it isnt really a sequence.

using a = 1, b = 2 etc to z = 26

what = 23+8+1+20 = 52
is = 9+19 = 28

etc, so the next term is

sequence = 19+5+17+21+5+14+3+5 = 89

It's obviously poorly answered because people dont realise the question is vital to the sequence, so they don't state the question perfectly, which is what happened here.

katie_kay

Thanks so much I would have never though of that!

galactus

Cap's solution is most likely the correct way, but if one looks hard enough different patterns may be found.

52+28=80
33+63=96
73+23=96
56+24=80

Next number, 24?.

Capuchin

why shouldnt the next two numbers add up to any other number? :P

katie_kay

I'm pretty sure cap's answer of 89 is correct, I can't see any other way.

galactus

Yes, I agree.