Q. Which number will come in the place of question mark ? 143, 275, 495, ?
a) 243
b) 683
c) 561
d) 927
Correct Answer: c) 561
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Observe the digit pattern in each term: the middle digit equals the sum of the first and last digits.
– 143: 1 + 3 = 4
– 275: 2 + 5 = 7
– 495: 4 + 5 = 9
Hence the next number must be of the form abc with b = a + c. Among the options, only 561 satisfies this (5 + 1 = 6).
Cross-check: All given terms are multiples of 11 (alternating sum a + c – b = 0). Only 561 is divisible by 11 among the options.
Therefore, the next number is 561.