The missing number in the geometric sequence $2,6,18,54$, , 486 is
(A) 72
(B) 90
(C) 108
(D) 162
(E) 216
Looking at the first few terms in the sequence, we can see that to get from one term to the next, we multiply by 3 (since $6=3(2), 18=3(6)$, etc.) So the missing term is $3(54)=162$. (To check that this is correct, we can see that $486=3(162)$.)

[The term "geometric sequence" means that every term after the first is obtained from the previous term by multiplying by the same number. In this question, the pattern can be guessed and filled in without knowing this definition.]

ANSWER: (D)