what is the next number?
5,13,29,61,125,_?
253
+8, + 2(8) + 4(8) + 8(8) + ?(8)
16
253
To find the next number in the sequence, we need to observe the pattern and make a prediction. Let's analyze the differences between consecutive numbers:
```
13 - 5 = 8
29 - 13 = 16
61 - 29 = 32
125 - 61 = 64
```
Looking at these differences, we can notice that they are increasing by a factor of 2 each time:
```
8 * 2 = 16
16 * 2 = 32
32 * 2 = 64
```
Based on this pattern, we can predict that the next difference will be 128:
```
64 * 2 = 128
```
To find the next number, we add this difference to the previous number in the sequence:
```
125 + 128 = 253
```
Therefore, the next number in the sequence should be 253.