What is the next number in the sequence: 5, 9, 15, 23, 33?

To find the next number in the sequence 5, 9, 15, 23, 33, it's helpful to first examine the differences between consecutive numbers:

• The difference between 5 and 9 is 4.

• The difference between 9 and 15 is 6.

• The difference between 15 and 23 is 8.

• The difference between 23 and 33 is 10.

Observing the differences: 4, 6, 8, and 10, we see that they form an increasing sequence where each difference increases by 2.

Continuing this pattern, the next difference should be 10 + 2 = 12. Adding this difference to the last number in the sequence gives:

33 + 12 = 45.

Thus, the correct answer to the next number in the sequence is 45. Understanding this pattern is essential for recognizing how the series evolves and allows for calculating future terms in similar sequences.