Find the Next Number After 2, 6, 12, 20, 30
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Key Takeaway
Today's puzzle is about finding a rule in a sequence: what number comes after 2, 6, 12, 20, 30? The answer and explanation go up tomorrow in the Quiz 2 post.
What is today's puzzle?
Find the number that goes in the blank in the sequence below.
| Position | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 2 | 6 | 12 | 20 | 30 | ? |
- Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
- Suggested time: 2 minutes
- What you need: paper and a pencil are enough
Where should you start?
With sequence puzzles, look at how neighboring numbers relate before you look at the numbers themselves. Writing the differences between each pair of neighbors on one line often reveals the rule. If the differences show no rule either, try writing each number as a product of two numbers.
If you want one more hint, look again at the line of differences. Check whether it grows by a steady amount, and you are almost there.
When can you check the answer?
The answer goes up tomorrow (October 14) morning, at the very top of the Quiz 2 post. The explanation is there too, so compare your answer and your method with it. This blog posts one puzzle a day, and the answer to today's puzzle always goes into the next day's post.
How do puzzles like this relate to Mensa tests?
Mensa International says you can join by scoring within the top 2% of the general population on an approved intelligence test (checked 2026-10-13). Mensa Korea's online brain test is described as looking at pattern recognition, logical thinking, and overall cognitive ability. A sequence puzzle is closest to pattern recognition practice.
| Item | This blog's puzzles | The actual admission test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Light daily practice | Deciding eligibility to join |
| Questions | New puzzles of the same type | Official tests approved by Mensa |
| Result | Check the answer in the next day's post | Taken under supervision, with a score reported afterward |
Solving this puzzle correctly does not tell you your IQ score. Treat it as a way to enjoy the process of finding a rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I check the answer?
In the "Yesterday's answer" section at the very top of the Quiz 2 post, published the next day, along with the explanation.
Is this puzzle from a past Mensa test?
No. It is a new practice puzzle of a similar type to Mensa admission tests.
Can I use a calculator?
You can, but this puzzle is built so that two-digit addition is all you need.
Sources & Verification Date
- Mensa International membership requirements guide · Verified
- Mensa Korea online brain test introduction · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.