Step-by-step Solution:

Pattern Analysis

The series follows a repeating pattern of subtractions. By observing the differences between consecutive numbers, we can identify the rule:

• 42 to 40 is -2


• 40 to 38 is -2


• 38 to 35 is -3


• 35 to 33 is -2


• 33 to 31 is -2


• 31 to 28 is -3

The repeating pattern is clearly (-2, -2, -3). The last given step was a "-3," so we continue the pattern from the beginning to find the next two numbers:

1. Next step is -2: 28 - 2 = 26


2. Following step is -2: 26 - 2 = 24

The next two numbers in the series are 26 and 24.