Step-by-step Solution:

Correct Answer: B (52)

To find the missing number, we first need to identify the pattern in the given series.

Step 1: Analyze the Operations Between Terms

Let's look at the sequence of operations that connects each number to the next:

• 3 to 5: Add 2 (3 + 2 = 5)
• 5 to 10: Multiply by 2 (5 × 2 = 10)
• 10 to 12: Add 2 (10 + 2 = 12)
• 12 to 24: Multiply by 2 (12 × 2 = 24)
• 24 to 26: Add 2 (24 + 2 = 26)

Step 2: Identify the Pattern

The pattern is a simple alternating sequence of two operations: first add 2, then multiply by 2, and repeat.

Step 3: Calculate the Next Term

The last operation performed was adding 2 (to get from 24 to 26). Following the pattern, the next operation must be to multiply by 2.

$$ 26 \times 2 = 52 $$

Therefore, the next number in the series is 52.