Explanation:

Let’s break it down:

- Here’s the sequence: 249, 255, 238, ?, 227, 277

- Notice how the numbers jump up and down. Let's check the differences:

- 255 - 249 = +6

- 238 - 255 = -17

- Next is the missing number. Let’s call it X.

- 227 - X = ?

- 277 - 227 = +50

- It looks like the pattern alternates: +6, -17, then some other jump, then (last jump is +50)

- Now, let's see the options for ?:

1. 241: If X = 241, then from 238 to 241 is +3, and from 241 to 227 is -14.

2. 257: If X = 257, then from 238 to 257 is +19, and from 257 to 227 is -30. Not really fitting a pattern.

3. 266: If X = 266, then from 238 to 266 is +28, and from 266 to 227 is -39. Again, doesn't fit.

4. 229: If X = 229, then from 238 to 229 is -9, and 229 to 227 is -2. No obvious pattern.

- Look: The series seems to be going: +6, -17, +? , -?, +50

- If you look at the differences (+6, -17, +19, -30, +50), it seems to alternate positive and negative with increasing jumps. If you try Option 2 (257):

- 238 to 257 is +19 (see the jump from +6 to +19: increased by 13)

- 255 to 238 was -17; 257 to 227 is -30 (increase by -13—notice the pattern of difference)

- So, the pattern is: +6 (+13 = +19), -17 (-13 = -30), +50 (which is +31 from previous +19, so the positive jumps are also increasing by 13, then by 31 — not perfect, but close)

Here’s what this really means: Option 2 (257) as the missing number fits best.

Correct Answer: Option 2, 257