Can you find the missing number?

A simple math puzzle is challenging people online by asking them to find the missing number in a sequence.

At first glance the puzzle looks easy.

However finding the correct answer requires you to spot the pattern connecting the numbers.

The sequence is.

5, 2, 7, 9, 16, 25, ?

Can you work out which number should replace the question mark?

How does the pattern work?

The trick is to add the previous two numbers to get the next number.

5 + 2 = 7

2 + 7 = 9

7 + 9 = 16

9 + 16 = 25

16 + 25 = 41

So, the missing number is.

41

Did you find the answer without looking at the solution?