Explanation

Let's analyze the given sequence:

5 ? 14 10 97

Step 1: Identify a Pattern

We will check for possible arithmetic or geometric patterns.

Observing the numbers:

• 5 → ? → 14 → 10 → 97

Step 2: Check Differences

Let's check if there's an increasing or decreasing pattern:

• Difference between 14 and 10 = -4

• Difference between 10 and 97 = +87

Since the jumps are inconsistent, we may need a different approach.

Step 3: Look for an Alternating Pattern

• The missing number could fit a pattern involving alternating operations.

One possible pattern:

• $5\times 2+4=14$

• $14 - 4 = 10$

• $10 times 10 - 3 = 97$

Thus, checking backwards:

• The missing number should satisfy: $5 times 2 + 4 = ?$

• $5\times 2+4=10+4=12$