- #1
Tom McCurdy
- 1,020
- 1
What row of numbers comes next?
1
11
21
1211
111221
312211
13112221
1
11
21
1211
111221
312211
13112221
The pattern in the sequence is that each number is the count of consecutive digits in the previous number. So, 312211 translates to one 3, two 1s, one 2, and two 1s, which gives the next number in the sequence 13112221.
To find the next number in the pattern, you can follow the same process as in the previous question. Count the consecutive digits in the previous number and write them in the same order to get the next number in the sequence.
Yes, there is a formula for generating the numbers in this pattern. It is known as "Look-and-Say Sequence" and it follows the pattern described in the first question. The formula is: count consecutive digits in the previous number and write them in the same order to get the next number in the sequence.
While this pattern may seem simple and repetitive, it actually has several real-world applications. It can be used in data compression, speech recognition, and even in genetics to study DNA sequences.
Technically, yes, this pattern can go on infinitely. However, as the numbers get larger, it becomes more difficult to calculate and write out the next number. At some point, the numbers will exceed the storage capacity of a computer, making it impossible to continue the pattern.