What is the next number in the series: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, _?

The series presented follows a specific pattern where each number is double the previous one. Starting with 2, the subsequent numbers are calculated as follows:

• The second number, 4, is 2 multiplied by 2.

• The third number, 8, is 4 multiplied by 2.

• Continuing this pattern, the fourth number, 16, is 8 multiplied by 2.

• The fifth number, 32, is 16 multiplied by 2.

Following the established pattern, the next number in the series would be 32 multiplied by 2, which equals 64. This doubling sequence clearly leads to 64 as the correct answer.

In contrast, the other options do not follow the doubling sequence established. Rather than representing a continuation of the series, they present numbers that deviate from the expected pattern of multiplication by 2. Thus, 64 is appropriately the next number in the sequence.