What is the next number in the sequence: 4, 12, 6, 9?

To find the next number in the sequence, consider the pattern formed by the given numbers: 4, 12, 6, 9. Observing the sequence, we can identify a potential alternating pattern.

The first and third numbers (4 and 6) seem to follow a pattern where the second number (12) is 3 times the first number (4), and then the fourth number (9) appears to be derived from the third number (6) by adding 3. Thus, calculating based on this logic, from 4 we go to 12 (which is multiplied by 3), then the next number after 12, while returning to a smaller value, can either subtract or add a small number.

Continuing the pattern from 6 to 9 indicates an addition of 3, suggesting that the next step involves finding a number that continues this alternating increase and decrease pattern. If we apply the previous logic from 6 (adding 3 to get 9), we would now be aiming for a number related to the last even earlier number (returning towards 8 suggests a decrease), thus confirming that logical patterns exist.

Choosing 10 as the next number provides a balance where it suggests a continued series of