Explanation:

Let’s break this down step by step:

- First pair: 5 : 14

- If you multiply 5 by 3, you get 15.

- But 14 is one less than 15.

- So, the pattern seems to be: (first number × 3) - 1

- 5 × 3 = 15, 15 - 1 = 14

- Second pair: 12 : ?

- Let’s use the same rule: (12 × 3) - 1

- 12 × 3 = 36, 36 - 1 = 35

- But that’s not an answer option.

- Let’s try multiplying by another number. What if we use: (12 × 5) - 4, testing a similar pattern to the last pair.

- Third pair: 17 : 86

- 17 × 5 = 85, 85 + 1 = 86

- So, the rule here is: (fifth number × 5) + 1 = sixth number

Here’s what’s happening:

- First pair: ×3 and -1

- Third pair: ×5 and +1

- It looks like the pattern jumps: times 3 for the first pair, times 5 for last, but with slight adjustments.

Let’s compare the options for 12 : ?

- Option 1: 51 ? 12×4 + 3 = 51 (but that doesn’t match anything)

- Option 2: 56 ? 12×5 - 4 = 56, this fits if we think of a “-4” twist

- Option 3: 67 ? 12×6 - 5 = 67 (no consistent pattern)

- Option 4: 63 ? 12×5 + 3 = 63 (again, doesn’t match)

But notice the first and third pairs use “×n then plus or minus 1.” If we now use ×5 - 4 for the middle pair, we get 56.

So, Option 2, 56 is correct.