Fill in the next term: 2, 4, 12, 48, 240, ( … ) Follow the evolving multiplier pattern.

Introduction / Context:This is a product-based series where each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a steadily increasing integer. Identifying the evolving multiplier lets us extend the series confidently.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: 2, 4, 12, 48, 240, …
• All terms are positive integers; multipliers appear to grow.

Concept / Approach:Compute term-wise ratios to the previous term. If the ratios form 2, 3, 4, 5, … then the next multiplier is 6. Apply that to get the missing term.

Step-by-Step Solution:4 / 2 = 212 / 4 = 348 / 12 = 4240 / 48 = 5Next multiplier = 6 ⇒ Next term = 240 * 6 = 1440

Verification / Alternative check:This pattern is strictly multiplicative with consecutive integers. No additive pattern fits all jumps so precisely (2→4→12→48→240), reinforcing the identified rule.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 960 / 1080 / 1920: correspond to multipliers 4, 4.5, or 8 that break the clear 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 progression.

Common Pitfalls:

• Averaging jump sizes or mixing addition with multiplication; the exact integer ratios settle the matter.

Final Answer:1440