What is the next number in the sequence: 2, 4, 8, 16, ...?

To determine the next number in the sequence 2, 4, 8, 16, we can observe a pattern in the numbers. Each number in the sequence is being multiplied by 2 to get the next number. Specifically:

• Starting with 2, when we multiply it by 2, we get 4.

• Then, if we take 4 and multiply it by 2, we arrive at 8.

• Continuing this pattern, multiplying 8 by 2 gives us 16.

Following this rule of multiplying by 2, the next number would be obtained by taking 16 and multiplying it by 2. Calculating that gives us:

16 × 2 = 32.

Therefore, 32 is the next number in the sequence, which is why the correct answer is 32. This pattern of multiplication by 2 leads to exponential growth, and recognizing this consistent operation is key to solving for the next term in such sequences.