Example 1
It is immediately clear that there cannot be a monotonous or exponential pattern, because the numbers do not increase or decrease every step. Check if the same transformation is applied between number 1 and number 2 as between number 3 and number 4 or number 4 and number 5.
The answer is -22
Tip: In general there will be no more than 3 different patterns in a series. If you suspect this pattern applies, quickly check if the same transformation is applied between number 1 and number 2 as between number 3 and number 4, or number 4 and number 5.