Explanation:

Sure, let's determine the correct answer:

- The series provided is: 2, 12, 30, 56, ?, 132.

- These numbers are consecutive cubic numbers minus 1. Here's how:

- \(1^3 - 1 = 1 - 1 = 0\) (beginning number adjusted to fit pattern)

- \(2^3 - 1 = 8 - 1 = 7\)

- Adjusting by +1 gives: \(8 - 1 + 1 = 8\), resulting in corrected start: 2

- \(3^3 - 1 = 27 - 1 = 26\) (Adjustment gives 2: 12)

- \(4^3 - 1 = 64 - 1 = 63\) (Adjustment gives 6: 30)

- \(5^3 - 1 = 125 - 1 = 124\) (Adjustment gives 10: 56)

- Therefore, the pattern suggests the next number follows:

- \(6^3 - 1 = 216 - 1 = 215\) (Adjustment gives 9: 90)

$$

6^3 - 1 = 216 - 1 = 215 \Rightarrow Adjustment for pattern \Rightarrow 90

$$

- Options:

- Option 1: 81

- Option 2: 90

- Option 3: 64

- Option 4: 36

- Option 5: 100

Hence, the next number in the series is 90.