HSPT Quantitative Question of the Day

1. 55 (correct answer)
2. 89
3. 34
4. 21

Explanation: When you encounter a sequence problem, your first step is identifying the pattern or rule that generates each term. This particular sequence is the famous Fibonacci sequence, where each term equals the sum of the two preceding terms. Let's trace through the pattern: $1 + 1 = 2$, $1 + 2 = 3$, $2 + 3 = 5$, $3 + 5 = 8$, $5 + 8 = 13$. Continuing this rule: the 8th term is $8 + 13 = 21$, the 9th term is $13 + 21 = 34$, and the 10th term is $21 + 34 = 55$. Looking at the answer choices, A) 55 is correct as our calculation confirms. B) 89 would actually be the 11th term ($34 + 55 = 89$), representing a common error of miscounting positions in the sequence. C) 34 is the 9th term, showing another off-by-one counting mistake. D) 21 is the 8th term, indicating the student stopped calculating too early or miscounted by two positions. The key trap in Fibonacci problems is losing track of which position you're calculating. Always write out the sequence systematically and double-check your position count. Remember that sequence problems on the HSPT often test your ability to recognize patterns and perform careful, sequential calculations rather than complex mathematical concepts.