Explanation:

- Let's denote the numbers as A, B, and C.

- The average of the first two numbers is (A + B) / 2.

- The average of the last two numbers is (B + C) / 2.

- It's given that the average of the first two numbers is 12 more than the average of the last two numbers:

\((A + B) / 2 = (B + C) / 2 + 12\).

- Simplify the equation:

\(A + B = B + C + 24\).

- Rearranging gives:

\(A - C = 24\).

So, the difference between the first and the last number is 24.

- Option:1, 18 (Not correct)

- Option:2, 24 (Correct)

- Option:3, 26 (Not correct)

- Option:4, 16 (Not correct)

- Option:5, 25 (Not correct)

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