Explanation:

- Let's analyze the sequence: 3, 5, 7, 8, 15, ?, 31, 26.

- Notice how the series alternates between moderate increases and big jumps.

- Begin with 3, then add 2 to get 5.

- Next, add 2 to 5 to get 7.

- 7 increases by 1 to reach 8.

- Then, a bigger jump occurs: 8 becomes 15 (add 7).

- We need to find the number after 15, let's look for a similar pattern.

- From 15, subtract 1 to get to 14.

- Then a bigger jump occurs: 14 jumps to 31 by adding 17.

- Finally, 31 decreases by 5 to become 26. This matches our pattern logic.

- If you follow the pattern, 15 should become 14.

Option 2: 14 is the correct answer.

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