What Is the Next Number in Holmes' Curious Sequence?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the next number in a sequence inspired by a quote from Sherlock Holmes. Participants explore the underlying pattern of the sequence, which consists of specific numbers while excluding others based on certain criteria.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a sequence of numbers and asks for the next number, referencing a Sherlock Holmes story.
  • Another participant suggests a specific answer but does not elaborate on the reasoning.
  • One participant notes the absence of multiples of 3 and 5 in the sequence, indicating a pattern based on these criteria.
  • Another participant confirms the absence of numbers containing the digits 3 or 5 as a reason for their exclusion from the sequence.
  • There are humorous interjections questioning the location of the dog from the story, which do not contribute to the numerical analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the criteria for the numbers in the sequence, specifically the absence of multiples of 3 and 5, as well as digits 3 and 5. However, the exact next number in the sequence remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the reasoning behind the exclusion of certain numbers like 13, 23, 34, and 59, leaving some assumptions unexamined.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in number sequences, pattern recognition, or those who enjoy puzzles inspired by literary references may find this discussion engaging.

peteb
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In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes story "Silver Blaze" we find:

"Is there any other point to which you wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime."
"The dog did nothing in th nighttime."
"That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes

*****

Here is a series:

1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 26, 28, 29, 41, 44.

Having taken Holmes' point on board, what is the next number in the sequence?


Pete B
 
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The answer is:
46,47,49,61,77
 
That's correct. For the benefit of the others, would you care to explain how you arrived at that answer?

Pete B
 
I saw there were no multiples of 3 or 5 but it took me longer to realize why some numbers such as 13, 23, 34 and 59 aren't there, which is that there are no digits 3 or 5 either. Even then, I was a bit uncertain and Googled it, and confirmed that appears to be the answer.
 
As Jonathan said, there is no 3 and 5 multiples and no 3 and 5 digits either.
 
Where was the dog?
 
ashishsinghal said:
Where was the dog?

The dog was resting at home. It was 35 years old. :)
 

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