I hesitated to add this because it’s poorly worded, ambiguous and the answer could be almost anything. I prefer teasers with a single answer, but there you go.
If you came up with a different answer and can explain how you did it, don’t think you’re wrong. It’s probably just as valid. Feel free to share yours in the comments.
My answer for the first number is 2.
Here’s how I got it.
The generic rule for a number in the sequence is: 2^(n – 1) + 1, where n is the position in the sequence.
Note: The teaser doesn’t specify the position of 17. In this case, it’s fifth.
Position 1: (so n = 1) is 2^(1 – 1) + 1 = 2
Position 2: 2^(2 – 1) + 1 = 3
Position 3: 2^(3 – 1) + 1 = 5
Position 4: 2^(4 – 1) + 1 = 9
Position 5: 2^(5 – 1) + 1 = 17
For the curious, the next 5 numbers of the sequence would be:
Jim and Wanda both have some apples. If Jim gives Wanda an apple, they will both have the same number of apples. However, if Wanda gives Jim an apple, Jim will have twice as many as Wanda. How many apples do Jim and Wanda each have?
Priscilla gave her brother Bruce as much money as Bruce started with. Bruce gave Priscilla as much money as Priscilla had left. Priscilla then gave Bruce as much as Bruce had left, which left Priscilla broke. Bruce had $80.00.
How much money did Priscilla and Bruce start with?
Mike, Jimmy, Nader, Kevin, and Larry were the top five finishers in the regional 500-mile race. They drove yellow, orange, green, red and blue cars but not necessarily in that order.
Neither Kevin nor Larry drove the green car. Kevin finished faster than Mike and Larry. The blue car finished earlier than Larry’s and Nader’s car. The yellow car finished faster than the green car and the orange car. Mike’s and Larry’s car finished ahead of the orange car. Jimmy’s car finished before the blue and the yellow car.
Who drove what color car and what place did each driver finish?
I have palms but not on hands, I offer foods from distant lands, When at my peak you’ll see me smoke, I’m famous for my friendly folk, My flowers grow and yet they lay, There’s fire where a man will play, I’m sure you know we’re family, You’re welcome to come stay with me.