Find the missing number in the pattern: $ 2,5,8,11,\_\_,17,20,23,26 $
A. $ 11 $
 B. $ 12 $
 C. $ 13 $
 D. $ 14 $

Hint: First, we need to analyze the given pattern so that we are able to obtain the missing number in the given pattern $ 2,5,8,11,\_\_,17,20,23,26 $ . We need to find the relation between two terms that can be applied to all the terms in the pattern. When we find out the relation, we can get the missing number.


Complete step by step answer:
The given pattern is $ 2,5,8,11,\_\_,17,20,23,26 $ and we are asked to calculate the missing number in the pattern.
If we can find the relations between the first and the second term, between the second and the third term, and so on, it will be easy for us to obtain the missing number in the given pattern.
Once we find the relation, we need to check whether the relation is satisfied by all the remaining terms of the given sequence.
Now, we shall analyze the given pattern.
Here the first term is $ 2 $ and the second term is $ 5 $ . When we add $ 3 $ and the first term, we can get the second term.
Also, the third term is $ 8 $ . When we add $ 3 $ and the second term, we can get the third term.
Similarly, when we add $ 3 $ and the third term, we can get the fourth term.
Also, this relation is satisfied by all the terms in the given pattern.
Now, we shall find the missing number in the given pattern $ 2,5,8,11,\_\_,17,20,23,26 $ .
Here the fourth term is $ 11 $ and we need to find the fifth term.
Now, we shall add $ 3 $ and the fourth term. Thus we get, $ 11 + 3 = 14 $ .
Hence, $ 14 $ is the missing number in the given pattern $ 2,5,8,11,\_\_,17,20,23,26 $ and option D is the correct answer.

Note: Now, we shall verify if $ 14 $ is the required answer or not.
Here, $ 14 $ is the fifth term and the sixth term is $ 17 $ . When we add $ 3 $ and the fifth term ( $ 3 + 14 = 17 $ ), we can get the sixth term. Hence we got the sixth term and so our obtained answer is verified.