Identify type of sequence: Identify if the sequence is geometric or arithmetic.Since the ratio between consecutive terms where possible is constant (12=2, 48=2, 816=2), the sequence is geometric.
Find common ratio: Determine the common ratio.Using the first two terms: 2/1=2.Common Ratio = 2.
Calculate missing number: Calculate the missing number using the common ratio.The term before the missing number is 2. Multiply this by the common ratio to find the missing number: 2×2=4.